Members phkrause Posted December 15, 2012 Author Members Posted December 15, 2012 December 15, 2012 Isaiah 42:1-17 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Isaiah 42:1-17: Verses 1-7 comprise the first of four “servant songs” in the book of Isaiah. In this passage, the servant is described as one whom God chose to bring justice to the nations (verse 1). Light provides an image of God’s truth, justice, and saving power. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 42:6 “I, the LORD, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth. Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples; through you I will bring light to the nations.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD says, “Here is my servant, whom I strengthen— the one I have chosen, with whom I am pleased. I have filled him with my Spirit, and he will bring justice to every nation. 2 He will not shout or raise his voice or make loud speeches in the streets. 3 He will not break off a bent reed nor put out a flickering lamp. He will bring lasting justice to all. 4 He will not lose hope or courage; he will establish justice on the earth. Distant lands eagerly wait for his teaching.” 5 God created the heavens and stretched them out; he fashioned the earth and all that lives there; he gave life and breath to all its people. And now the LORD God says to his servant, 6 “I, the LORD, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth. Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples; through you I will bring light to the nations. 7 You will open the eyes of the blind and set free those who sit in dark prisons. 8 I alone am the LORD your God. No other god may share my glory; I will not let idols share my praise. 9 The things I predicted have now come true. Now I will tell you of new things even before they begin to happen.” 10 Sing a new song to the LORD; sing his praise, all the world! Praise him, you that sail the sea; praise him, all creatures of the sea! Sing, distant lands and all who live there! 11 Let the desert and its towns praise God; let the people of Kedar praise him! Let those who live in the city of Sela shout for joy from the tops of the mountains! 12 Let those who live in distant lands give praise and glory to the LORD! 13 The LORD goes out to fight like a warrior; he is ready and eager for battle. He gives a war cry, a battle shout; he shows his power against his enemies. 14 God says, “For a long time I kept silent; I did not answer my people. But now the time to act has come; I cry out like a woman in labor. 15 I will destroy the hills and mountains and dry up the grass and trees. I will turn the river valleys into deserts and dry up the pools of water. 16 I will lead my blind people by roads they have never traveled. I will turn their darkness into light and make rough country smooth before them. These are my promises, and I will keep them without fail. 17 All who trust in idols, who call images their gods, will be humiliated and disgraced.” Reflect As the LORD’s chosen people, Israel was to be an example to all other nations by living according to the Law that God gave to Moses and the people at Mount Sinai. But because the people had turned away from God, they were forced into exile in Babylonia. What does God now promise (verses 14-17)? In Christian tradition, the “servant’ mentioned in today’s reading (verses 1-7) refers to Jesus, God’s promised Messiah. How is the servant described? Pray Holy God, light my path so that I may see the way to be a servant in your work of redemption, truth, and justice. Guide me today. Amen. Prayer Concern Those working for social justice Tomorrow's Reading Malachi 3:1-18: God will send a messenger to prepare the way for 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 December 16, 2012 Author Members Posted December 16, 2012 December 16, 2012 Malachi 3:1-18 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Malachi 3:1-18: The people had been questioning God’s justice and saw no benefit in serving God (Malachi 2:17; 3:13-15). God announces that a messenger will come to purify the Temple and the priests. Evildoers will be judged, and the faithful will be declared the LORD’s own. Today’s Scripture: Malachi 3:17 “They will be my people,” says the LORD Almighty. “On the day when I act, they will be my very own. I will be merciful to them as parents are merciful to the children who serve them.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD Almighty answers, “I will send my messenger to prepare the way for me. Then the Lord you are looking for will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger you long to see will come and proclaim my covenant.” 2 But who will be able to endure the day when he comes? Who will be able to survive when he appears? He will be like strong soap, like a fire that refines metal. 3 He will come to judge like one who refines and purifies silver. As a metalworker refines silver and gold, so the LORD's messenger will purify the priests, so that they will bring to the LORD the right kind of offerings. 4 Then the offerings which the people of Judah and Jerusalem bring to the LORD will be pleasing to him, as they used to be in the past. 5 The LORD Almighty says, “I will appear among you to judge, and I will testify at once against those who practice magic, against adulterers, against those who give false testimony, those who cheat employees out of their wages, and those who take advantage of widows, orphans, and foreigners—against all who do not respect me. 6 I am the LORD, and I do not change. And so you, the descendants of Jacob, are not yet completely lost. 7 You, like your ancestors before you, have turned away from my laws and have not kept them. Turn back to me, and I will turn to you. But you ask, “What must we do to turn back to you?” 8 I ask you, is it right for a person to cheat God? Of course not, yet you are cheating me. “How?” you ask. In the matter of tithes and offerings. 9 A curse is on all of you because the whole nation is cheating me. 10 Bring the full amount of your tithes to the Temple, so that there will be plenty of food there. Put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things. 11 I will not let insects destroy your crops, and your grapevines will be loaded with grapes. 12 Then the people of all nations will call you happy, because your land will be a good place to live. 13 “You have said terrible things about me,” says the LORD. But you ask, “What have we said about you?” 14 You have said, ‘It's useless to serve God. What's the use of doing what he says or of trying to show the LORD Almighty that we are sorry for what we have done? 15 As we see it, proud people are the ones who are happy. Evil people not only prosper, but they test God's patience with their evil deeds and get away with it. ’ ” 16 Then the people who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard what they said. In his presence, there was written down in a book a record of those who feared the LORD and respected him. 17 “They will be my people,” says the LORD Almighty. “On the day when I act, they will be my very own. I will be merciful to them as parents are merciful to the children who serve them. 18 Once again my people will see the difference between what happens to the righteous and to the wicked, to the person who serves me and the one who does not. ” Reflect For Malachi, the “messenger” is someone who will come to prepare for the Lord’s coming (verse 1). In Christian tradition, this passage about the LORD’s messenger is interpreted as referring to John the Baptist (see Mark 1:2). What will the messenger do (verses 2-3)? Who will be judged (verse 5)? Reread verses 16-18. What do they say about God’s mercy? Pray Almighty God, you know my inmost thoughts. Trusting in your love and mercy, I humbly turn to you and ask that you purify and cleanse my heart. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Couriers Tomorrow's Reading Isaiah 49:1-23: The LORD promises to restore Jerusalem. 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 December 17, 2012 Author Members Posted December 17, 2012 December 17, 2012 Isaiah 49:1-23 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Isaiah 49:1-23: The prophet Isaiah focuses on the new future that the Lord is creating for the people of Israel. Even though Jerusalem lies in ruins, it will be restored and the people will rejoice. God will bless and protect those who return from exile. The LORD’s servant will bring back the people and be “a light to the nations.” Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 49:13 Sing, heavens! Shout for joy, earth! Let the mountains burst into song! The LORD will comfort his people; he will have pity on his suffering people. Today’s Reading 1 Listen to me, distant nations, you people who live far away! Before I was born, the LORD chose me and appointed me to be his servant. 2 He made my words as sharp as a sword. With his own hand he protected me. He made me like an arrow, sharp and ready for use. 3 He said to me, “Israel, you are my servant; because of you, people will praise me. ” 4 I said, “I have worked, but how hopeless it is! I have used up my strength, but have accomplished nothing. ” Yet I can trust the LORD to defend my cause; he will reward me for what I do. 5 Before I was born, the LORD appointed me; he made me his servant to bring back his people, to bring back the scattered people of Israel. The LORD gives me honor; he is the source of my strength. 6 The LORD said to me, “I have a greater task for you, my servant. Not only will you restore to greatness the people of Israel who have survived, but I will also make you a light to the nations— so that all the world may be saved.” 7 Israel's holy God and savior says to the one who is deeply despised, who is hated by the nations and is the servant of rulers: “Kings will see you released and will rise to show their respect; princes also will see it, and they will bow low to honor you.” This will happen because the LORD has chosen his servant; the holy God of Israel keeps his promises. 8 The LORD says to his people, “When the time comes to save you, I will show you favor and answer your cries for help. I will guard and protect you and through you make a covenant with all peoples. I will let you settle once again in your land that is now laid waste. 9 I will say to the prisoners, “Go free!” and to those who are in darkness, “Come out to the light!” They will be like sheep that graze on the hills; 10 they will never be hungry or thirsty. Sun and desert heat will not hurt them, for they will be led by one who loves them. He will lead them to springs of water. 11 I will make a highway across the mountains and prepare a road for my people to travel. 12 My people will come from far away, from the north and the west, and from Aswan in the south.” 13 Sing, heavens! Shout for joy, earth! Let the mountains burst into song! The LORD will comfort his people; he will have pity on his suffering people. 14 But the people of Jerusalem said, “The LORD has abandoned us! He has forgotten us.” 15 So the LORD answers, “Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you. 16 Jerusalem, I can never forget you! I have written your name on the palms of my hands. 17 Those who will rebuild you are coming soon, and those who destroyed you will leave. 18 Look around and see what is happening! Your people are assembling—they are coming home! As surely as I am the living God, you will be proud of your people, as proud as a bride is of her jewels. 19 Your country was ruined and desolate— but now it will be too small for those who are coming to live there. And those who left you in ruins will be far removed from you. 20 Your people who were born in exile will one day say to you, ‘This land is too small— we need more room to live in!’ 21 Then you will say to yourself, ‘Who bore all these children for me? I lost my children and could have no more. I was exiled and driven away— who brought these children up? I was left all alone— where did these children come from?’” 22 The Sovereign LORD says to his people: “I will signal to the nations, and they will bring your children home. 23 Kings will be like fathers to you; queens will be like mothers. They will bow low before you and honor you; they will humbly show their respect for you. Then you will know that I am the LORD; no one who waits for my help will be disappointed.” Reflect Verses 1-6 comprise the second of the four “servant songs” in the book of Isaiah. According to these verses, what is the servant’s mission? Reread verses 14-16. While in exile, many Israelites probably felt as if the LORD had forgotten about them forever. How might these words have encouraged them? Have you ever felt as though God had forgotten you? Where did you find encouragement during that time? Pray Loving God, there are times when I feel so distant from you. Reveal your presence to me, that I may always be mindful of your saving love. Heighten my awareness of you today. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who feel distant from God Tomorrow's Reading Jeremiah 31:1-22: The kingdoms of Israel and Judah will be restored as one nation. 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 December 18, 2012 Author Members Posted December 18, 2012 December 18, 2012 Jeremiah 31:1-22 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Jeremiah 31:1-22: Israel was made up of twelve tribes named for the sons of Jacob. After King Solomon died, the ten northern tribes formed their own kingdom (Israel), while the two southernmost tribes formed the kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah envisions a time when the Lord will rebuild Israel, the people will return to their own land, and the twelve tribes will be restored as one nation. Today’s Scripture: Jeremiah 31:10 The LORD says, “Nations, listen to me and proclaim my words on the far-off shores. I scattered my people, but I will gather them and guard them as a shepherd guards his flock.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD says, “The time is coming when I will be the God of all the tribes of Israel, and they will be my people. 2 In the desert I showed mercy to those people who had escaped death. When the people of Israel longed for rest, 3 I appeared to them from far away. People of Israel, I have always loved you, so I continue to show you my constant love. 4 Once again I will rebuild you. Once again you will take up your tambourines and dance joyfully. 5 Once again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria, and those who plant them will eat what the vineyards produce. 6 Yes, the time is coming when sentries will call out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Let's go up to Zion, to the LORD our God. ’ ” 7 The LORD says, “Sing with joy for Israel, the greatest of the nations. Sing your song of praise, ‘The LORD has saved his people; he has rescued all who are left.’ 8 I will bring them from the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. The blind and the lame will come with them, pregnant women and those about to give birth. They will come back a great nation. 9 My people will return weeping, praying as I lead them back. I will guide them to streams of water, on a smooth road where they will not stumble. I am like a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my oldest son.” 10 The LORD says, “Nations, listen to me and proclaim my words on the far-off shores. I scattered my people, but I will gather them and guard them as a shepherd guards his flock. 11 I have set Israel's people free and have saved them from a mighty nation. 12 They will come and sing for joy on Mount Zion and be delighted with my gifts— gifts of grain and wine and olive oil, gifts of sheep and cattle. They will be like a well-watered garden; they will have everything they need. 13 Then the young women will dance and be happy, and men, young and old, will rejoice. I will comfort them and turn their mourning into joy, their sorrow into gladness. 14 I will fill the priests with the richest food and satisfy all the needs of my people. I, the LORD, have spoken.” 15 The LORD says, “A sound is heard in Ramah, the sound of bitter weeping. Rachel is crying for her children; they are gone, and she refuses to be comforted. 16 Stop your crying and wipe away your tears. All that you have done for your children will not go unrewarded; they will return from the enemy's land. 17 There is hope for your future; your children will come back home. I, the LORD, have spoken. 18 I hear the people of Israel say in grief, ‘ LORD, we were like an untamed animal, but you taught us to obey. Bring us back; we are ready to return to you, the LORD our God. 19 We turned away from you, but soon we wanted to return. After you had punished us, we hung our heads in grief. We were ashamed and disgraced because we sinned when we were young.’ 20 Israel, you are my dearest child, the one I love best. Whenever I mention your name, I think of you with love. My heart goes out to you; I will be merciful. 21 Set up signs and mark the road; find again the way by which you left. Come back, people of Israel, come home to the towns you left. 22 How long will you hesitate, faithless people? I have created something new and different, as different as a woman protecting a man.” Reflect Jeremiah envisions a time when all the tribes will be restored as one nation of God’s people, and the kingdom of Israel will be rebuilt. Reread verses 7-14. How is the homecoming and the restored nation envisioned? What brokenness do you see in our world today? How can healing among nations begin? What can communities of faith do to help? Pray God of love and mercy, your world suffers from brokenness, war, and conflict. Forgive us for the ways in which we fail to live in community, and reveal opportunities for reconciliation and new life. Amen. Prayer Concern The U.S. military presence in other nations Tomorrow's Reading Jeremiah 31:23-40: The prophet Jeremiah describes God’s new covenant with the people. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted December 20, 2012 Author Members Posted December 20, 2012 December 19, 2012 Jeremiah 31:23-40 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Jeremiah 31:23-40: Jeremiah says that God will restore the people of the southern tribes of Judah and bring them home. God promises to make a new covenant with Israel and Judah, putting the law within them and writing the law on their hearts. Today’s Scripture: Jeremiah 31:33 The new covenant that I will make with the people of Israel will be this: I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Today’s Reading 23 The LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says, “When I restore the people to their land, they will once again say in the land of Judah and in its towns, ‘May the LORD bless the sacred hill of Jerusalem, the holy place where he lives.’ 24 People will live in Judah and in all its towns, and there will be farmers, and shepherds with their flocks. 25 I will refresh those who are weary and will satisfy with food everyone who is weak from hunger. 26 So then, people will say, “I went to sleep and woke up refreshed.” 27 I, the LORD, say that the time is coming when I will fill the land of Israel and Judah with people and animals. 28 And just as I took care to uproot, to pull down, to overthrow, to destroy, and to demolish them, so I will take care to plant them and to build them up. 29 When that time comes, people will no longer say, ‘The parents ate the sour grapes, But the children got the sour taste.’ 30 Instead, those who eat sour grapes will have their own teeth set on edge; and everyone will die because of their own sin. ” 31 The LORD says, “The time is coming when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the old covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. Although I was like a husband to them, they did not keep that covenant. 33 The new covenant that I will make with the people of Israel will be this: I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 None of them will have to teach a neighbor to know the LORD, because all will know me, from the least to the greatest. I will forgive their sins and I will no longer remember their wrongs. I, the LORD, have spoken. ” 35 The LORD provides the sun for light by day, the moon and the stars to shine at night. He stirs up the sea and makes it roar; his name is the LORD Almighty. 36 He promises that as long as the natural order lasts, so long will Israel be a nation. 37 If one day the sky could be measured and the foundations of the earth explored, only then would he reject the people of Israel because of all they have done. The LORD has spoken. 38 “The time is coming,” says the LORD, “when all of Jerusalem will be rebuilt as my city, from Hananel Tower west to the Corner Gate. 39 And the boundary line will continue from there on the west to the hill of Gareb and then around to Goah. 40 The entire valley, where the dead are buried and garbage is dumped, and all the fields above Kidron Brook as far as the Horse Gate to the east, will be sacred to me. The city will never again be torn down or destroyed. ” Reflect Reread verses 31-34. This is the high point of Jeremiah’s message. God’s new agreement with the people of Israel and Judah will not replace the earlier agreement with Moses. But in the new agreement, God will write the laws directly on the hearts and minds of the people, and God will forgive and forget their sins. How might the hearers of Jeremiah’s message have responded to it? How do you respond to this message? Pray Loving and merciful God, thank you for being my God and for your law which is now written on my heart. Open my heart and mind to your Word, that I may live each day in accord with your will. Amen. Prayer Concern Law enforcement officers Tomorrow's Reading Jeremiah 33:1-26: God promises to restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted December 21, 2012 Author Members Posted December 21, 2012 December 20, 2012 Jeremiah 33:1-26 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Jeremiah 33:1-26: While Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonian army and Jeremiah is imprisoned in King Zedekiah’s palace in Jerusalem, the LORD delivers a message of hope, promising to rebuild Judah and Israel and make them prosperous again. The LORD will also fulfill the promise concerning the Davidic dynasty by choosing a righteous king who will rule with justice. Today’s Scripture: Jeremiah 33:15 At that time I will choose as king a righteous descendant of David. That king will do what is right and just throughout the land. Today’s Reading 1 While I was still in prison in the courtyard, the LORD's message came to me again. 2 The LORD, who made the earth, who formed it and set it in place, spoke to me. He whose name is the LORD said, 3 “Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things that you know nothing about. 4 I, the LORD, the God of Israel, say that the houses of Jerusalem and the royal palace of Judah will be torn down as a result of the siege and the attack. 5 Some will fight against the Babylonians, who will fill the houses with the corpses of those whom I am going to strike down in my anger and fury. I have turned away from this city because of the evil things that its people have done. 6 But I will heal this city and its people and restore them to health. I will show them abundant peace and security. 7 I will make Judah and Israel prosperous, and I will rebuild them as they were before. 8 I will purify them from the sins that they have committed against me, and I will forgive their sins and their rebellion. 9 Jerusalem will be a source of joy, honor, and pride to me; and every nation in the world will fear and tremble when they hear about the good things that I do for the people of Jerusalem and about the prosperity that I bring to the city. ” 10 The LORD said, “People are saying that this place is like a desert, that it has no people or animals living in it. And they are right; the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem are empty; no people or animals live there. But in these places you will hear again 11 the shouts of gladness and joy and the happy sounds of wedding feasts. You will hear people sing as they bring thank offerings to my Temple; they will say, ‘Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, because he is good and his love is eternal.’ 12 The LORD Almighty said, “In this land that is like a desert and where no people or animals live, there will once again be pastures where shepherds can take their sheep. 13 In the towns in the hill country, in the foothills, and in southern Judah, in the territory of Benjamin, in the villages around Jerusalem, and in the towns of Judah, shepherds will once again count their sheep. I, the LORD, have spoken. ” 14 The LORD said, “The time is coming when I will fulfill the promise that I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 At that time I will choose as king a righteous descendant of David. That king will do what is right and just throughout the land. 16 The people of Judah and of Jerusalem will be rescued and will live in safety. The city will be called ‘The LORD Our Salvation. ’ 17 I, the LORD, promise that there will always be a descendant of David to be king of Israel 18 and that there will always be priests from the tribe of Levi to serve me and to offer burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sacrifices. ” 19 The LORD said to me, 20 “I have made a covenant with the day and with the night, so that they always come at their proper times; and that covenant can never be broken. 21 In the same way I have made a covenant with my servant David that he would always have a descendant to be king, and I have made a covenant with the priests from the tribe of Levi that they would always serve me; and those covenants can never be broken. 22 I will increase the number of descendants of my servant David and the number of priests from the tribe of Levi, so that it will be as impossible to count them as it is to count the stars in the sky or the grains of sand on the seashore. ” 23 The LORD said to me, 24 “Have you noticed how people are saying that I have rejected Israel and Judah, the two families that I chose? And so they look with contempt on my people and no longer consider them a nation. 25 But I, the LORD, have a covenant with day and night, and I have made the laws that control earth and sky. 26 And just as surely as I have done this, so I will maintain my covenant with Jacob's descendants and with my servant David. I will choose one of David's descendants to rule over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will be merciful to my people and make them prosperous again. ” Reflect When Jeremiah receives the LORD’s message (c. 588 B.C.), the destruction of Jerusalem is not far off. What aroused God’s anger against the city (verse 5)? What does God promise afterwards (verses 6-13)? What covenant does God promise to maintain? Do any of the verses in today’s reading offer you hope and comfort? Why or why not? Pray God of love and mercy, my hope is in you. Trusting in your promises, I proclaim your everlasting love. You are the God of my salvation. Amen. Prayer Concern Those working to rebuild and restore cities ravaged by war and forces of nature Tomorrow's Reading Luke 1:1-25: The birth of John the Baptist is announced. 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 December 21, 2012 Author Members Posted December 21, 2012 December 21, 2012 Luke 1:1-25 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Luke 1:1-25: Luke’s Gospel opens with a prologue in which he sets forth his claim “to write an orderly account” concerning Jesus, and Luke begins by recounting the events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist. The angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah and announces that, even though he and his wife Elizabeth are advanced in years, Elizabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. Because Zechariah exhibits doubt about the angel’s message, he is rendered unable to speak. When Elizabeth becomes pregnant, she declares that the Lord has taken away her public disgrace. Today’s Scripture: Luke 1:15 John will be great in the Lord’s sight … From his very birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. Today’s Reading 1 Dear Theophilus: Many people have done their best to write a report of the things that have taken place among us. 2 They wrote what we have been told by those who saw these things from the beginning and who proclaimed the message. 3 And so, Your Excellency, because I have carefully studied all these matters from their beginning, I thought it would be good to write an orderly account for you. 4 I do this so that you will know the full truth about everything which you have been taught. 5 During the time when Herod was king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife's name was Elizabeth; she also belonged to a priestly family. 6 They both lived good lives in God's sight and obeyed fully all the Lord's laws and commands. 7 They had no children because Elizabeth could not have any, and she and Zechariah were both very old. 8 One day Zechariah was doing his work as a priest in the Temple, taking his turn in the daily service. 9 According to the custom followed by the priests, he was chosen by lot to burn incense on the altar. So he went into the Temple of the Lord, 10 while the crowd of people outside prayed during the hour when the incense was burned. 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar where the incense was burned. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was alarmed and felt afraid. 13 But the angel said to him, “Don't be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. You are to name him John. 14 How glad and happy you will be, and how happy many others will be when he is born! 15 John will be great in the Lord's sight. He must not drink any wine or strong drink. From his very birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, 16 and he will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will go ahead of the Lord, strong and mighty like the prophet Elijah. He will bring fathers and children together again; he will turn disobedient people back to the way of thinking of the righteous; he will get the Lord's people ready for him. ” 18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know if this is so? I am an old man, and my wife is old also.” 19 “I am Gabriel,” the angel answered. “I stand in the presence of God, who sent me to speak to you and tell you this good news. 20 But you have not believed my message, which will come true at the right time. Because you have not believed, you will be unable to speak; you will remain silent until the day my promise to you comes true. ” 21 In the meantime the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he was spending such a long time in the Temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them, and so they knew that he had seen a vision in the Temple. Unable to say a word, he made signs to them with his hands. 23 When his period of service in the Temple was over, Zechariah went back home. 24 Some time later his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and did not leave the house for five months. 25 “Now at last the Lord has helped me,” she said. “He has taken away my public disgrace!” Reflect How does the angel Gabriel describe John and John’s mission (verses 15-17)? In a society that views having children as being blessed by God (Psalm 127:3-5), Elizabeth’s barrenness is seen as a sign of public disgrace. Childless women were even the object of scorn (see 1 Samuel 1:6). Elizabeth’s pregnancy demonstrates God’s graciousness in reversing her position from one of shame to one of divine favor. Can you recall others in Israel’s history who experienced God’s favor by means of a child? (see Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-8; Judges 13; 1 Samuel 1:9-28). Pray Holy God, teach me to be obedient to your Word. I trust in your promises. Open my eyes to your daily blessings. Guide me this day in the way of your truth. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who wish to conceive a child Tomorrow's Reading Luke 1:26-56: The birth of Jesus is announced. 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 December 22, 2012 Author Members Posted December 22, 2012 December 22, 2012 Luke 1:26-56 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Luke 1:26-56: The angel Gabriel is sent by God to Mary of Nazareth to announce that she is favored by God and chosen to be the mother of God’s Son. The angel tells Mary about Elizabeth’s pregnancy, and Mary then visits Elizabeth in Judea. The reading concludes with Mary’s song of praise, known in various faith traditions as the Magnificat (from the Latin “magnify”). Today’s Scripture: Luke 1:32 “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king, as his ancestor David was.” Today’s Reading 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee named Nazareth. 27 He had a message for a young woman promised in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was a descendant of King David. Her name was Mary. 28 The angel came to her and said, “Peace be with you! The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you!” 29 Mary was deeply troubled by the angel's message, and she wondered what his words meant. 30 The angel said to her, “Don't be afraid, Mary; God has been gracious to you. 31 You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king, as his ancestor David was, 33 and he will be the king of the descendants of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end! ” 34 Mary said to the angel, “I am a virgin. How, then, can this be?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and God's power will rest upon you. For this reason the holy child will be called the Son of God. 36 Remember your relative Elizabeth. It is said that she cannot have children, but she herself is now six months pregnant, even though she is very old. 37 For there is nothing that God cannot do. ” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” said Mary; “may it happen to me as you have said.” And the angel left her. 39 Soon afterward Mary got ready and hurried off to a town in the hill country of Judea. 40 She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby moved within her. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and said in a loud voice, “You are the most blessed of all women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 Why should this great thing happen to me, that my Lord's mother comes to visit me? 44 For as soon as I heard your greeting, the baby within me jumped with gladness. 45 How happy you are to believe that the Lord's message to you will come true! ” 46 Mary said, “My heart praises the Lord; 47 my soul is glad because of God my Savior, 48 for he has remembered me, his lowly servant! From now on all people will call me happy, 49 because of the great things the Mighty God has done for me. His name is holy; 50 from one generation to another he shows mercy to those who honor him. 51 He has stretched out his mighty arm and scattered the proud with all their plans. 52 He has brought down mighty kings from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away with empty hands. 54 He has kept the promise he made to our ancestors, and has come to the help of his servant Israel. 55 He has remembered to show mercy to Abraham and to all his descendants forever!” 56 Mary stayed about three months with Elizabeth and then went back home. Reflect Today’s reading takes on the form of a dialogue between the angel Gabriel and Mary of Nazareth. Luke records three reactions on Mary’s part to the angel’s message. How does Mary react when the angel first speaks to her (verse 29)? What does the angel say next (verses 30-33)? What is Mary’s response (verse 34)? How does the angel reassure Mary (verses 35-37)? What does Mary’s final response (verse 38) and her song (verses 46-55) reveal about her (verse 38)? Pray Lord God, there is nothing you cannot do. Prepare my heart to be open to receive your Word. Yes, Lord, I am your servant. Order my steps this day. Amen. Prayer Concern First-time mothers Tomorrow's Reading Luke 1:57-80: John the Baptist is born. 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 December 24, 2012 Author Members Posted December 24, 2012 December 23, 2012 Luke 1:57-80 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Luke 1:57-80: Today’s reading picks up the storyline from verse 25. John the Baptist is born and Zechariah is once again able to speak. The Holy Spirit enables him to prophesy concerning his son, and he praises God. Today’s Scripture: Luke 1:76, 77 “You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his road for him, to tell his people that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven.” Today’s Reading 57 The time came for Elizabeth to have her baby, and she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard how wonderfully good the Lord had been to her, and they all rejoiced with her. 59 When the baby was a week old, they came to circumcise him, and they were going to name him Zechariah, after his father. 60 But his mother said, “No! His name is to be John.” 61 They said to her, “But you don't have any relative with that name!” 62 Then they made signs to his father, asking him what name he would like the boy to have. 63 Zechariah asked for a writing pad and wrote, “His name is John.” How surprised they all were! 64 At that moment Zechariah was able to speak again, and he started praising God. 65 The neighbors were all filled with fear, and the news about these things spread through all the hill country of Judea. 66 Everyone who heard of it thought about it and asked, “What is this child going to be?” For it was plain that the Lord's power was upon him. 67 John's father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he spoke God's message: 68 “Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel! He has come to the help of his people and has set them free. 69 He has provided for us a mighty Savior, a descendant of his servant David. 70 He promised through his holy prophets long ago 71 that he would save us from our enemies, from the power of all those who hate us. 72 He said he would show mercy to our ancestors and remember his sacred covenant. 73-74 With a solemn oath to our ancestor Abraham he promised to rescue us from our enemies and allow us to serve him without fear, 75 so that we might be holy and righteous before him all the days of our life. 76 You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his road for him, 77 to tell his people that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. 78 Our God is merciful and tender. He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us 79 and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace.” 80 The child grew and developed in body and spirit. He lived in the desert until the day when he appeared publicly to the people of Israel. Reflect Just as Elizabeth had been filled with the Holy Spirit when she greeted Mary (Luke 1:41), Zechariah is “filled with the Holy Spirit” (verse 67) following the circumcision of his son, and he is now able to speak again. What caused Zechariah and Elizabeth’s neighbors to be “filled with fear” (verse 65)? In a manner similar to Mary’s song of praise (Luke 1:46-55), Zechariah’s prophecy tells of God’s faithfulness. What does Zechariah prophesy about his son? What ancient promises does he recall? Pray God of hope and promise, you remember your sacred covenant and cause the bright dawn of your salvation to rise on us. You are merciful and tender. Guide my steps this day in the path of peace. Amen. Prayer Concern Children awaiting adoption Tomorrow's Reading Luke 2:1-20: Jesus is born and shepherds are the first to hear the good news. 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 December 24, 2012 Author Members Posted December 24, 2012 December 24, 2012 Luke 2:1-20 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord I ntroduction Luke 2:1-20: Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem where Jesus is born. Angels announce the news of his birth to shepherds in a nearby field. The shepherds hurry off and find the baby Jesus in a manger. Today’s Scripture: Luke 2:11 ‘This very day in David’s town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord!’ Today’s Reading 1 At that time Emperor Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 When this first census took place, Quirinius was the governor of Syria. 3 Everyone, then, went to register himself, each to his own hometown. 4 Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, the birthplace of King David. Joseph went there because he was a descendant of David. 5 He went to register with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him. She was pregnant, 6 and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her baby. 7 She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger—there was no room for them to stay in the inn. 8 There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, 10 but the angel said to them, “Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. 11 This very day in David's town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord! 12 And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. ” 13 Suddenly a great army of heaven's angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God: 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them back into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and saw the baby lying in the manger. 17 When the shepherds saw him, they told them what the angel had said about the child. 18 All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said. 19 Mary remembered all these things and thought deeply about them. 20 The shepherds went back, singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen; it had been just as the angel had told them. Reflect Luke’s account of Jesus’ humble birth is set against the backdrop of the political situation at that time. A census had been ordered by Emperor Augustus to regulate the collection of taxes, an indication of Rome’s domination over the people. The titles given to Jesus in the angel’s message to the shepherds (Savior and Lord) were also used at that time for the emperor. What does this suggest to you? Shepherds were on the low end of the social scale, yet they are the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth. For whom is Jesus’ birth good news today? Why? Pray Glory to God in the highest! Lord Jesus, I join in singing the angels’ song and celebrate your birth. You are my Savior, and the good news of your birth fills me with great joy. Amen. Prayer Concern Christmas Eve worshipers Tomorrow's Reading John 1:1-18: Jesus is presented as the living Word. 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 December 25, 2012 Author Members Posted December 25, 2012 December 25, 2012 John 1:1-18 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction John 1:1-18: Today’s reading is in the form of a prologue that introduces the key themes to John’s Gospel. Jesus is described as the Word who already existed with God and whose life “brought light to people.” John the Baptist is described as one who bore witness to the light. Today’s Scripture: John 1:14a The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. Today’s Reading 1 In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 From the very beginning the Word was with God. 3 Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. 4 The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. 6 God sent his messenger, a man named John, 7 who came to tell people about the light, so that all should hear the message and believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came to tell about the light. 9 This was the real light—the light that comes into the world and shines on all people. 10 The Word was in the world, and though God made the world through him, yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. 12 Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God's children. 13 They did not become God's children by natural means, that is, by being born as the children of a human father; God himself was their Father. 14 The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son. 15 John spoke about him. He cried out, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, “He comes after me, but he is greater than I am, because he existed before I was born.” ” 16 Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another. 17 God gave the Law through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father's side, he has made him known. Reflect Jesus is presented as the Word who was with God when God created and gave life to everything. The opening words, “In the beginning,” hearken back to Genesis 1. The first thing God created was light. How many times does the word “light” appear in today’s reading? What does referring to Jesus as “light” mean to you? Pray Lord Jesus, you are the Living Word and source of life. You are the true Light that no darkness can overcome. Grace and truth come through you. Out of the fullness of your grace, I am blessed. Because I believe in you, I know that I am a beloved child of God. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming into the world. In your holy name, I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are in spiritual darkness Tomorrow's Reading Luke 2:21-52: Jesus is named and presented in the Temple. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted December 27, 2012 Author Members Posted December 27, 2012 December 26, 2012 Luke 2:21-52 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Luke 2:21-52: Today’s reading picks up the storyline from verse 20. Jesus is named and circumcised on the eighth day according to the Law of Moses (see Leviticus 12:3) to indicate belonging to the Lord and as a sign of the covenant God made with Abraham (see Genesis 17:11-12). Mary and Joseph perform the ceremony of purification and bring Jesus to Jerusalem to be dedicated to the Lord. At the Temple, they encounter Simeon and Anna, two elderly and devout people who testify to God’s faithfulness in speaking about Jesus. After completing everything required by the Law, Mary and Joseph return to Nazareth with Jesus. The chapter concludes with the account of Jesus, at age 12, debating with the Jewish teachers in the Temple in Jerusalem. Today’s Scripture: Luke 2:40 The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God’s blessings were upon him. Today’s Reading 21 A week later, when the time came for the baby to be circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name which the angel had given him before he had been conceived. 22 The time came for Joseph and Mary to perform the ceremony of purification, as the Law of Moses commanded. So they took the child to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23 as it is written in the law of the Lord: “Every first-born male is to be dedicated to the Lord.” 24 They also went to offer a sacrifice of a pair of doves or two young pigeons, as required by the law of the Lord. 25 At that time there was a man named Simeon living in Jerusalem. He was a good, God-fearing man and was waiting for Israel to be saved. The Holy Spirit was with him 26 and had assured him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's promised Messiah. 27 Led by the Spirit, Simeon went into the Temple. When the parents brought the child Jesus into the Temple to do for him what the Law required, 28 Simeon took the child in his arms and gave thanks to God: 29 “Now, Lord, you have kept your promise, and you may let your servant go in peace. 30 With my own eyes I have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: 32 A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel.” 33 The child's father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon said about him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, “This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against 35 and so reveal their secret thoughts. And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart. ” 36-37 There was a very old prophet, a widow named Anna, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She had been married for only seven years and was now eighty-four years old. She never left the Temple; day and night she worshiped God, fasting and praying. 38 That very same hour she arrived and gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for God to set Jerusalem free. 39 When Joseph and Mary had finished doing all that was required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God's blessings were upon him. 41 Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they went to the festival as usual. 43 When the festival was over, they started back home, but the boy Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. His parents did not know this; 44 they thought that he was with the group, so they traveled a whole day and then started looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 They did not find him, so they went back to Jerusalem looking for him. 46 On the third day they found him in the Temple, sitting with the Jewish teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his intelligent answers. 48 His parents were astonished when they saw him, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been terribly worried trying to find you.” 49 He answered them, “Why did you have to look for me? Didn't you know that I had to be in my Father's house?” 50 But they did not understand his answer. 51 So Jesus went back with them to Nazareth, where he was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people. Reflect Leviticus 12 outlines the purification ritual for women after childbirth which Mary and Joseph follow according to the Law of Moses. Mary and Joseph’s sacrifice of two doves or pigeons (verse 24) indicates their status as poor. In what ways do we offer sacrifices today? How are Simeon and Anna described? For what were they waiting (verses 25-26, 38)? What does Simeon say to Mary (verses 34-35)? Upon hearing his words, what might Mary have thought? Reread verses 41-52. Why did Jesus stay behind in Jerusalem? What did the teachers think of him? Why were his parents astonished when they found him? Pray Lord God, you keep your promises and your promised Messiah has come and brought us your salvation. He is the light who reveals your will for us. Help me to grow in the knowledge of you and do what is pleasing in your sight. Glory to you, O Lord! Amen. Prayer Concern The elderly Tomorrow's Reading Hebrews 1:1-14: God speaks to us through his Son. 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 December 27, 2012 Author Members Posted December 27, 2012 December 27, 2012 Hebrews 1: 1-14 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Hebrews 1: 1-14: Beginning today and until the end of the year, we will be reading excerpts from the Letter to the Hebrews. Hebrews is a teaching sermon that is designed to help explain what the new Christian faith is all about. Today’s passage explains that the ancient prophets spoke God’s message to his people, but now God has sent Jesus to tell God’s message, achieve forgiveness for humanity’s sins, and rule over all creation forever. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 1:3a He reflects the brightness of God’s glory and is the exact likeness of God’s own being. Today’s Reading 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. He is the one through whom God created the universe, the one whom God has chosen to possess all things at the end. 3 He reflects the brightness of God's glory and is the exact likeness of God's own being, sustaining the universe with his powerful word. After achieving forgiveness for the sins of all human beings, he sat down in heaven at the right side of God, the Supreme Power. 4 The Son was made greater than the angels, just as the name that God gave him is greater than theirs. 5 For God never said to any of his angels, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” Nor did God say about any angel, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.” 6 But when God was about to send his first-born Son into the world, he said, “All of God's angels must worship him.” 7 But about the angels God said, “God makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire.” 8 About the Son, however, God said: “Your kingdom, O God, will last forever and ever! You rule over your people with justice. 9 You love what is right and hate what is wrong. That is why God, your God, has chosen you and has given you the joy of an honor far greater than he gave to your companions.” 10 He also said, “You, Lord, in the beginning created the earth, and with your own hands you made the heavens. 11 They will disappear, but you will remain; they will all wear out like clothes. 12 You will fold them up like a coat, and they will be changed like clothes. But you are always the same, and your life never ends.” 13 God never said to any of his angels: “Sit here at my right side until I put your enemies as a footstool under your feet.” 14 What are the angels, then? They are spirits who serve God and are sent by him to help those who are to receive salvation. Reflect Today’s passage speaks of Jesus “achieving forgiveness for the sins of all human beings,” a reference to Christ as the High Priest (a theme that is treated extensively in Hebrews 9:1—10:18) and that he is in heaven, sitting “at the right side of God,” a traditional way of referring to the glorified Christ (see Psalm 110:1; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69). God has placed Jesus over all things, including the angels (verse 4). Reread verses 4-14. How is God’s Son described? Pray Lord Jesus, forgive me for the ways in which I have failed to live by your Word. Help me to listen when you speak, and fill me with life anew, that I may become your faithful servant. Amen. Prayer Concern Preachers Tomorrow's Reading Hebrews 2:1-18: Jesus is our merciful and faithful High Priest. 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 December 29, 2012 Author Members Posted December 29, 2012 December 28, 2012 Hebrews 2:1-18 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Hebrews 2:1-18: Jesus came to serve God as a faithful high priest and to sacrifice himself to forgive sins. Because he suffered and was tempted, he can now help us when we are tempted. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 2:10a It was only right that God, who creates and preserves all things, should make Jesus perfect through suffering, in order to bring many children to share his glory. Today’s Reading 1 That is why we must hold on all the more firmly to the truths we have heard, so that we will not be carried away. 2 The message given to our ancestors by the angels was shown to be true, and those who did not follow it or obey it received the punishment they deserved. 3 How, then, shall we escape if we pay no attention to such a great salvation? The Lord himself first announced this salvation, and those who heard him proved to us that it is true. 4 At the same time God added his witness to theirs by performing all kinds of miracles and wonders and by distributing the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to his will. 5 God has not placed the angels as rulers over the new world to come—the world of which we speak. 6 Instead, as it is said somewhere in the Scriptures: “What are human beings, O God, that you should think of them; mere human beings, that you should care for them? 7 You made them for a little while lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor, 8 and made them rulers over all things.” 9 But we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, so that through God's grace he should die for everyone. We see him now crowned with glory and honor because of the death he suffered. 10 It was only right that God, who creates and preserves all things, should make Jesus perfect through suffering, in order to bring many children to share his glory. For Jesus is the one who leads them to salvation. 11 He purifies people from their sins, and both he and those who are made pure all have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his family. 12 He says to God, “I will tell my people what you have done; I will praise you in their meeting.” 13 He also says, “I will put my trust in God.” And he also says, “Here I am with the children that God has given me.” 14 Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death, 15 and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. 16 For it is clear that it is not the angels that he helps. Instead, he helps the descendants of Abraham. 17 This means that he had to become like his people in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, so that the people's sins would be forgiven. 18 And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered. Reflect The author of Hebrews states that, when Jesus was fully human, he became lower than the angels for a while and that he humbly obeyed God and died for everyone (verse 9). What does Jesus’ sacrificial death mean to you? Reread verses 17 and 18. What are your thoughts about Jesus experiencing temptation and suffering so that he can help us? Pray Lord Jesus, you are my faithful and merciful High Priest. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for me in order that I may receive forgiveness of my sins and everlasting salvation. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing temptation Tomorrow's Reading Hebrews 3:1-19: Jesus is greater than Moses. 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 December 30, 2012 Author Members Posted December 30, 2012 December 29, 2012 Hebrews 3:1-19 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Hebrews 3:1-19: The author explains that Jesus is greater than Moses; while Moses was a faithful servant and spoke to God’s people, Christ, God’s own Son, is in charge of God’s people. The chapter concludes with a warning about rebelling against God and a reminder to remain faithful in order to enter the place of rest. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 3:14 For we are all partners with Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at the beginning. Today’s Reading 1 My Christian friends, who also have been called by God! Think of Jesus, whom God sent to be the High Priest of the faith we profess. 2 He was faithful to God, who chose him to do this work, just as Moses was faithful in his work in God's house. 3 A man who builds a house receives more honor than the house itself. In the same way Jesus is worthy of much greater honor than Moses. 4 Every house, of course, is built by someone—and God is the one who has built all things. 5 Moses was faithful in God's house as a servant, and he spoke of the things that God would say in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son in charge of God's house. We are his house if we keep up our courage and our confidence in what we hope for. 7 So then, as the Holy Spirit says, “If you hear God's voice today, 8 do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God, as they were that day in the desert when they put him to the test. 9 There they put me to the test and tried me, says God, although they had seen what I did for forty years. 10 And so I was angry with those people and said, ‘They are always disloyal and refuse to obey my commands.’ 11 I was angry and made a solemn promise: “They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest!”” 12 My friends, be careful that none of you have a heart so evil and unbelieving that you will turn away from the living God. 13 Instead, in order that none of you be deceived by sin and become stubborn, you must help one another every day, as long as the word “Today” in the scripture applies to us. 14 For we are all partners with Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at the beginning. 15 This is what the scripture says: “If you hear God's voice today, do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God.” 16 Who were the people who heard God's voice and rebelled against him? All those who were led out of Egypt by Moses. 17 With whom was God angry for forty years? With the people who sinned, who fell down dead in the desert. 18 When God made his solemn promise, “They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest”—of whom was he speaking? Of those who rebelled. 19 We see, then, that they were not able to enter the land, because they did not believe. Reflect The Israelite people who left Egypt were headed for Canaan, where they hoped to make their home in a land of plenty and peace. But the generation of Israelites that disobeyed God in the desert was not allowed to enter this place of rest. God has provided a place of rest in heaven where those who have faith in Christ will live with God forever. How do you imagine this place of rest? Pray Lord Jesus, as the year draws to a close, I am reminded of the many ways in which I find my rest in you. Thank you for your love and grace. Make me your faithful servant until I come to eternal rest. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Those who will enter into eternal rest this day Tomorrow's Reading Hebrews 4:14—5:14: Jesus is our great High Priest. 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 December 31, 2012 Author Members Posted December 31, 2012 December 30, 2012 Hebrews 4:14—5:14 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Hebrews 4:14—5:14: God chose Jesus as our great High Priest, whose suffering made him perfect and who is now able to save all who obey him. Jesus is compared to Melchizedek who, according to Genesis 14:17-20, was a priest of the Most High God and king of Salem and who blessed Abraham. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 4:14b For we have a great High Priest who has gone into the very presence of God—Jesus, the Son of God. Today’s Reading 14 Let us, then, hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we have a great High Priest who has gone into the very presence of God—Jesus, the Son of God. 15 Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. 16 Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it. 1 Every high priest is chosen from his fellow-men and appointed to serve God on their behalf, to offer sacrifices and offerings for sins. 2 Since he himself is weak in many ways, he is able to be gentle with those who are ignorant and make mistakes. 3 And because he is himself weak, he must offer sacrifices not only for the sins of the people but also for his own sins. 4 No one chooses for himself the honor of being a high priest. It is only by God's call that a man is made a high priest—just as Aaron was. 5 In the same way, Christ did not take upon himself the honor of being a high priest. Instead, God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” 6 He also said in another place, “You will be a priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.” 7 In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him. 8 But even though he was God's Son, he learned through his sufferings to be obedient. 9 When he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him, 10 and God declared him to be high priest, in the priestly order of Melchizedek. 11 There is much we have to say about this matter, but it is hard to explain to you, because you are so slow to understand. 12 There has been enough time for you to be teachers—yet you still need someone to teach you the first lessons of God's message. Instead of eating solid food, you still have to drink milk. 13 Anyone who has to drink milk is still a child, without any experience in the matter of right and wrong. 14 Solid food, on the other hand, is for adults, who through practice are able to distinguish between good and evil. Reflect The high priest of Israel entered into the most holy place in the temple to offer animal sacrifices, asking God to take away the sins of the people. Like the high priest, Jesus offered a sacrifice for all people, but the sacrifice Jesus brought was himself. Reread 4:14-16. What does God’s solidarity with all people in their suffering mean to you? Pray Almighty God, I come into your holy presence, approaching your throne with confidence and trusting in your mercy and grace. Through your Son, Jesus Christ, you are able to sympathize with my weakness. Thank you for what you have done for my sake. Trusting in your mercy and love, I place my hope in you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those struggling to rebuild their lives after the devastating effects of hurricanes, fires, and other forces of nature Tomorrow's Reading Hebrews 6:1-20: An exhortation to become mature in faith. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted December 31, 2012 Author Members Posted December 31, 2012 December 31, 2012 Hebrews 6:1-20 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Share the Joy of the Lord Introduction Hebrews 6:1-20: Christ’s followers are warned not to turn their backs on God’s message but to be mature in their faith. The author invites people to grow in faith after learning the gospel message, helping other people, remaining strong in hope, and being vigilant in faith. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 6:11 Our great desire is that each of you keep up your eagerness to the end, so that the things you hope for will come true. Today’s Reading 1 Let us go forward, then, to mature teaching and leave behind us the first lessons of the Christian message. We should not lay again the foundation of turning away from useless works and believing in God; 2 of the teaching about baptisms and the laying on of hands; of the resurrection of the dead and the eternal judgment. 3 Let us go forward! And this is what we will do, if God allows. 4 For how can those who abandon their faith be brought back to repent again? They were once in God's light; they tasted heaven's gift and received their share of the Holy Spirit; 5 they knew from experience that God's word is good, and they had felt the powers of the coming age. 6 And then they abandoned their faith! It is impossible to bring them back to repent again, because they are again crucifying the Son of God and exposing him to public shame. 7 God blesses the soil which drinks in the rain that often falls on it and which grows plants that are useful to those for whom it is cultivated. 8 But if it grows thorns and weeds, it is worth nothing; it is in danger of being cursed by God and will be destroyed by fire. 9 But even if we speak like this, dear friends, we feel sure about you. We know that you have the better blessings that belong to your salvation. 10 God is not unfair. He will not forget the work you did or the love you showed for him in the help you gave and are still giving to other Christians. 11 Our great desire is that each of you keep up your eagerness to the end, so that the things you hope for will come true. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to be like those who believe and are patient, and so receive what God has promised. 13 When God made his promise to Abraham, he made a vow to do what he had promised. Since there was no one greater than himself, he used his own name when he made his vow. 14 He said, “I promise you that I will bless you and give you many descendants.” 15 Abraham was patient, and so he received what God had promised. 16 When we make a vow, we use the name of someone greater than ourselves, and the vow settles all arguments. 17 To those who were to receive what he promised, God wanted to make it very clear that he would never change his purpose; so he added his vow to the promise. 18 There are these two things, then, that cannot change and about which God cannot lie. So we who have found safety with him are greatly encouraged to hold firmly to the hope placed before us. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for our lives. It is safe and sure, and goes through the curtain of the heavenly temple into the inner sanctuary. 20 On our behalf Jesus has gone in there before us and has become a high priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek. Reflect The life of faith is compared to a field that needs rain in order to be fertile and thrive. What serves as “rain” in your faith journey? What things do you do to grow in faith? Have you ever had a period of stagnation or even turning away from your faith? If so, what caused it and what helped you reconnect with your faith? How can you and others in your faith community support one another in faith? Pray God of salvation, you are like a great gardener, planting seeds of hope, grace, and joy in my life. As a new year dawns, help me take the stewardship of my faith seriously so that I may grow in my knowledge and trust of you. Like an anchor, you are the sure hope for my life. Amen. Prayer Concern Parts of the world in need of rain Tomorrow's Reading Colossians 1:1-23: The person and work of Christ is described. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 1, 2013 Author Members Posted January 1, 2013 January 1, 2013 Colossians 1:1-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Unity in Christ Jesus Introduction Colossians 1:1-23: Today we begin reading the Letter to the Colossians which opens with Paul’s greeting and prayer of thanksgiving. Among Paul’s purposes in writing the letter was to warn the Colossians about false teachers in their midst and to oppose their teachings with the true Christian message. Today’s reading includes a description of the person and work of Christ and concludes with Paul’s exhortation to remain faithful. Today’s Scripture: Colossians 1:12 With joy give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light. Today’s Reading 1 From Paul, who by God's will is an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy— 2 To God's people in Colossae, who are our faithful friends in union with Christ: May God our Father give you grace and peace. 3 We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. 4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all God's people. 5 When the true message, the Good News, first came to you, you heard about the hope it offers. So your faith and love are based on what you hope for, which is kept safe for you in heaven. 6 The gospel keeps bringing blessings and is spreading throughout the world, just as it has among you ever since the day you first heard about the grace of God and came to know it as it really is. 7 You learned of God's grace from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is Christ's faithful worker on our behalf. 8 He has told us of the love that the Spirit has given you. 9 For this reason we have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. 10 Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God. 11-12 May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. And with joy give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light. 13 He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, 14 by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. 15 Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God. He is the first-born Son, superior to all created things. 16 For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and the unseen things, including spiritual powers, lords, rulers, and authorities. God created the whole universe through him and for him. 17 Christ existed before all things, and in union with him all things have their proper place. 18 He is the head of his body, the church; he is the source of the body's life. He is the first-born Son, who was raised from death, in order that he alone might have the first place in all things. 19 For it was by God's own decision that the Son has in himself the full nature of God. 20 Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. God made peace through his Son's blood on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven. 21 At one time you were far away from God and were his enemies because of the evil things you did and thought. 22 But now, by means of the physical death of his Son, God has made you his friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure, and faultless, into his presence. 23 You must, of course, continue faithful on a firm and sure foundation, and must not allow yourselves to be shaken from the hope you gained when you heard the gospel. It is of this gospel that I, Paul, became a servant—this gospel which has been preached to everybody in the world. Reflect What does Paul’s prayer reveal about what he has heard about the Colossians? Verses 15-20 are probably derived from an early Christian hymn. What do these verses say about Jesus? What does Paul admonish the Colossians to do (verse 23)? Pray Almighty God, help me to be strong with all the strength that comes from your glorious power, so that I may be able to endure everything with patience. With joy I give you thanks for rescuing me from the power of darkness and bringing me safely into the kingdom of your dear Son, Jesus Christ my Lord, by whom you have set me free and offered me forgiveness of my sins. Amen. Prayer Concern Those making a commitment to daily Bible reading Tomorrow's Reading Colossians 1:24—2:5: Paul describes his work as a servant of the gospel. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 3, 2013 Author Members Posted January 3, 2013 January 2, 2013 Colossians 1:24—2:5 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Unity in Christ Jesus Introduction Colossians 1:24—2:5: Paul describes how he has suffered for the sake of the gospel, and warns the Colossians not to let anyone deceive them with false arguments. Today’s Scripture: Colossians 2:5b I am glad as I see the resolute firmness with which you stand together in your faith in Christ. Today’s Reading 24 And now I am happy about my sufferings for you, for by means of my physical sufferings I am helping to complete what still remains of Christ's sufferings on behalf of his body, the church. 25 And I have been made a servant of the church by God, who gave me this task to perform for your good. It is the task of fully proclaiming his message, 26 which is the secret he hid through all past ages from all human beings but has now revealed to his people. 27 God's plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God. 28 So we preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one into God's presence as a mature individual in union with Christ. 29 To get this done I toil and struggle, using the mighty strength which Christ supplies and which is at work in me. 1 Let me tell you how hard I have worked for you and for the people in Laodicea and for all others who do not know me personally. 2 I do this in order that they may be filled with courage and may be drawn together in love, and so have the full wealth of assurance which true understanding brings. In this way they will know God's secret, which is Christ himself. 3 He is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you, then, do not let anyone deceive you with false arguments, no matter how good they seem to be. 5 For even though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I am glad as I see the resolute firmness with which you stand together in your faith in Christ. Reflect What is the “secret” that Paul mentions in 1:26-27? What does Paul say is the source of his strength? How does Paul describe Christ in 2:3? In what ways does Christ give you strength? Pray Lord Jesus, thank you for the mighty strength that you provide and which is at work in me. In whatever struggles I may face, I know that you are there to help and guide me. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need of spiritual strength Tomorrow's Reading Colossians 2:6-19: Paul reminds the Colossians to remain united to Christ. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 4, 2013 Author Members Posted January 4, 2013 January 3, 2013 Colossians 2:6-19 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Unity in Christ Jesus Introduction Colossians 2:6-19: Paul warns the Colossians not to let anyone deceive them with false arguments, and he encourages them to remain strong in faith, rooted in Christ Jesus. Today’s Scripture: Colossians 2:6 Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. Today’s Reading 6 Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. 7 Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving. 8 See to it, then, that no one enslaves you by means of the worthless deceit of human wisdom, which comes from the teachings handed down by human beings and from the ruling spirits of the universe, and not from Christ. 9 For the full content of divine nature lives in Christ, in his humanity, 10 and you have been given full life in union with him. He is supreme over every spiritual ruler and authority. 11 In union with Christ you were circumcised, not with the circumcision that is made by human beings, but with the circumcision made by Christ, which consists of being freed from the power of this sinful self. 12 For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ through your faith in the active power of God, who raised him from death. 13 You were at one time spiritually dead because of your sins and because you were Gentiles without the Law. But God has now brought you to life with Christ. God forgave us all our sins; 14 he canceled the unfavorable record of our debts with its binding rules and did away with it completely by nailing it to the cross. 15 And on that cross Christ freed himself from the power of the spiritual rulers and authorities; he made a public spectacle of them by leading them as captives in his victory procession. 16 So let no one make rules about what you eat or drink or about holy days or the New Moon Festival or the Sabbath. 17 All such things are only a shadow of things in the future; the reality is Christ. 18 Do not allow yourselves to be condemned by anyone who claims to be superior because of special visions and who insists on false humility and the worship of angels. For no reason at all, such people are all puffed up by their human way of thinking 19 and have stopped holding on to Christ, who is the head of the body. Under Christ's control the whole body is nourished and held together by its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God wants it to grow. Reflect How is Paul’s message different from the message others are trying to teach the Colossians? What messages in the world today attempt to lure people away from the life that God offers through Christ Jesus? What does having a “full life in union with [Christ]” (verse 10) mean to you? Pray Lord Jesus, I have accepted you as my Lord and Savior. Keep me rooted in you, and strengthen my faith each day as I live to serve you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those being led astray by false teachings Tomorrow's Reading Colossians 2:20—3:17: Paul describes new life in Christ. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 4, 2013 Author Members Posted January 4, 2013 January 4, 2013 Colossians 2:20—3:17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Unity in Christ Jesus Introduction Colossians 2:20—3:17: Paul encourages the Colossians to set their hearts and minds on the things of heaven and to put aside earthly desires. He reminds them that they are people of God, united as a community bound by love. Today’s Scripture: Colossians 3:17 Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father. Today’s Reading 20 You have died with Christ and are set free from the ruling spirits of the universe. Why, then, do you live as though you belonged to this world? Why do you obey such rules as 21 “Don't handle this,” “Don't taste that,” “Don't touch the other”? 22 All these refer to things which become useless once they are used; they are only human rules and teachings. 23 Of course such rules appear to be based on wisdom in their forced worship of angels, and false humility, and severe treatment of the body; but they have no real value in controlling physical passions. 1 You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. 2 Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory! 5 You must put to death, then, the earthly desires at work in you, such as sexual immorality, indecency, lust, evil passions, and greed (for greed is a form of idolatry). 6 Because of such things God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him. 7 At one time you yourselves used to live according to such desires, when your life was dominated by them. 8 But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips. 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have put off the old self with its habits 10 and have put on the new self. This is the new being which God, its Creator, is constantly renewing in his own image, in order to bring you to a full knowledge of himself. 11 As a result, there is no longer any distinction between Gentiles and Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarians, savages, slaves, and free, but Christ is all, Christ is in all. 12 You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. 14 And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity. 15 The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. 17 Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father. Reflect Paul talks about dying with Christ and being raised to life with Christ. What does this mean to you? What does it mean to you to “put off the old self” and “put on the new self” (3:9-10)? Reread 3:12-17. How do you envision a community that reflects the unity Paul describes? Pray Lord Jesus, thank you for the new life you offer. Clothe me with your righteousness and set my heart and mind on you so that all I do and say reflects my thanks and love for you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those struggling with addiction Tomorrow's Reading Colossians 4:2-18: Paul encourages the Colossians to be persistent in prayer. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 6, 2013 Author Members Posted January 6, 2013 January 5, 2013 Colossians 4:2-18 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Unity in Christ Jesus Introduction Colossians 4:2-18: Paul reminds the Colossians to be persistent in prayer, and he encourages them to treat non-believers in a way that demonstrates Christian love. He concludes the letter with personal greetings to the community of believers. Today’s Scripture: Colossians 4:2 Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God. Today’s Reading 2 Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God. 3 At the same time pray also for us, so that God will give us a good opportunity to preach his message about the secret of Christ. For that is why I am now in prison. 4 Pray, then, that I may speak, as I should, in such a way as to make it clear. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward those who are not believers, making good use of every opportunity you have. 6 Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone. 7 Our dear friend Tychicus, who is a faithful worker and fellow servant in the Lord's work, will give you all the news about me. 8 That is why I am sending him to you, in order to cheer you up by telling you how all of us are getting along. 9 With him goes Onesimus, that dear and faithful friend, who belongs to your group. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have already received instructions to welcome Mark if he comes your way.) 11 Joshua, also called Justus, sends greetings too. These three are the only Jewish believers who work with me for the Kingdom of God, and they have been a great help to me. 12 Greetings from Epaphras, another member of your group and a servant of Christ Jesus. He always prays fervently for you, asking God to make you stand firm, as mature and fully convinced Christians, in complete obedience to God's will. 13 I can personally testify to his hard work for you and for the people in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Luke, our dear doctor, and Demas send you their greetings. 15 Give our best wishes to the believers in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. 16 After you read this letter, make sure that it is read also in the church at Laodicea. At the same time, you are to read the letter that the believers in Laodicea will send you. 17 And tell Archippus, “Be sure to finish the task you were given in the Lord's service.” 18 With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul Do not forget my chains! May God's grace be with you. Reflect Why does Paul exhort the Colossians to be persistent in prayer? Do you ever find it hard to pray? What does a prayerful life mean to you? Pray Holy God, I praise and thank you for your mercy, love, and grace. Help me to be persistent in prayer, and draw me close to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Prayer warriors Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 2:1-12: Visitors from the East worship the infant Jesus. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted January 6, 2013 Author Members Posted January 6, 2013 January 6, 2013 Matthew 2:1-12 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Unity in Christ Jesus Introduction Matthew 2:1-12: In the church calendar, today is known as Epiphany, a day that marks the arrival of visitors from the East who bring gifts to the infant Jesus. These visitors were men who studied the stars, and astrological signs were understood to be an indication of the birth of someone important. The visitors arrive in Jerusalem and meet with King Herod who is troubled by their news and falsely states that he wishes to worship the newborn king. Led by a star, the visitors from the East find Jesus and worship him. They are warned not to go back to Herod and return home by another road. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 2:11a They went into the house, and when they saw the child with his mother Mary, they knelt down and worshiped him. Today’s Reading 1 Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the time when Herod was king. Soon afterward, some men who studied the stars came from the East to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the baby born to be the king of the Jews? We saw his star when it came up in the east, and we have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard about this, he was very upset, and so was everyone else in Jerusalem. 4 He called together all the chief priests and the teachers of the Law and asked them, “Where will the Messiah be born?” 5 “In the town of Bethlehem in Judea,” they answered. “For this is what the prophet wrote: 6 ‘Bethlehem in the land of Judah, you are by no means the least of the leading cities of Judah; for from you will come a leader who will guide my people Israel.’” 7 So Herod called the visitors from the East to a secret meeting and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem with these instructions: “Go and make a careful search for the child; and when you find him, let me know, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9-10 And so they left, and on their way they saw the same star they had seen in the East. When they saw it, how happy they were, what joy was theirs! It went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 11 They went into the house, and when they saw the child with his mother Mary, they knelt down and worshiped him. They brought out their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and presented them to him. 12 Then they returned to their country by another road, since God had warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. Reflect What was Herod’s reaction to the news brought to him by the visitors from the East? What Old Testament prophecy is quoted by the chief priests and teachers of the Law (verse 6)? What did Herod say to the visitors? What gifts did the visitors bring to Jesus? What “gifts” can you offer to Jesus? Pray Lord Jesus, you are my king and Lord of my life, and I worship you. Just as a star guided those who searched for you, lead me each day in faith. I offer you my humble heart and praise your holy name. Amen. Prayer Concern Those participating in Epiphany celebrations Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 2:13-23: Joseph, Mary, and the child Jesus escape to 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 January 8, 2013 Author Members Posted January 8, 2013 January 7, 2013 Matthew 2:13-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Unity in Christ Jesus Introduction Matthew 2:13-23: An angel warns Joseph in a dream to take Mary and the child and flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. Upon learning that he has been tricked by the visitors from the East, Herod is furious and orders the massacre of all boys who are two years old and younger. Mothers throughout the region mourn. Following the death of Herod, Joseph returns with Mary and Jesus, and they make their home in Nazareth. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 2:14 Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and left during the night for Egypt. Today’s Reading 13 After they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph and said, “Herod will be looking for the child in order to kill him. So get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you to leave.” 14 Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and left during the night for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until Herod died. This was done to make come true what the Lord had said through the prophet, “I called my Son out of Egypt.” 16 When Herod realized that the visitors from the East had tricked him, he was furious. He gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its neighborhood who were two years old and younger—this was done in accordance with what he had learned from the visitors about the time when the star had appeared. 17 In this way what the prophet Jeremiah had said came true: 18 “A sound is heard in Ramah, the sound of bitter weeping. Rachel is crying for her children; she refuses to be comforted, for they are dead.” 19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go back to the land of Israel, because those who tried to kill the child are dead.” 21 So Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went back to Israel. 22 But when Joseph heard that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as king of Judea, he was afraid to go there. He was given more instructions in a dream, so he went to the province of Galilee 23 and made his home in a town named Nazareth. And so what the prophets had said came true: “He will be called a Nazarene.” Reflect Why is Joseph told to go to Egypt? According to Matthew, what Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled (verse 15)? Joseph was warned to flee from Herod’s wrath. Where in the world do people live in fear today? Pray Lord Jesus, you came to us as a child – innocent, fragile, and in need of care. Come to the aid of all who live in fear and in places of danger. Open my eyes and heart to the plight of those who are in harm’s way. Amen. Prayer Concern Parents grieving the death of a child Tomorrow's Reading Luke 3:1-22: John the Baptist preaches 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 January 8, 2013 Author Members Posted January 8, 2013 January 8, 2013 Luke 3:1-22 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Unity in Christ Jesus Introduction Luke 3:1-22: John preaches in the desert, preparing people from the coming of God’s chosen one, Jesus. He warns the people to act justly to show that they have turned from their sinful ways. Jesus is baptized by John and identified as God’s Son. Today’s reading concludes with the imprisonment of John. Today’s Scripture: Luke 3:16 John said to all of them, “I baptize you with water, but someone is coming who is much greater than I am. … He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Today’s Reading 1 It was the fifteenth year of the rule of Emperor Tiberius; Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip was ruler of the territory of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias was ruler of Abilene, 2 and Annas and Caiaphas were High Priests. At that time the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. 3 So John went throughout the whole territory of the Jordan River, preaching, “Turn away from your sins and be baptized, and God will forgive your sins.” 4 As it is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah: “Someone is shouting in the desert: ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel! 5 Every valley must be filled up, every hill and mountain leveled off. The winding roads must be made straight, and the rough paths made smooth. 6 The whole human race will see God's salvation!’” 7 Crowds of people came out to John to be baptized by him. “You snakes!” he said to them. “Who told you that you could escape from the punishment God is about to send? 8 Do those things that will show that you have turned from your sins. And don't start saying among yourselves that Abraham is your ancestor. I tell you that God can take these rocks and make descendants for Abraham! 9 The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire. ” 10 The people asked him, “What are we to do, then?” 11 He answered, “Whoever has two shirts must give one to the man who has none, and whoever has food must share it.” 12 Some tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what are we to do?” 13 “Don't collect more than is legal,” he told them. 14 Some soldiers also asked him, “What about us? What are we to do?” He said to them, “Don't take money from anyone by force or accuse anyone falsely. Be content with your pay.” 15 People's hopes began to rise, and they began to wonder whether John perhaps might be the Messiah. 16 So John said to all of them, “I baptize you with water, but someone is coming who is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to untie his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 He has his winnowing shovel with him, to thresh out all the grain and gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn the chaff in a fire that never goes out. ” 18 In many different ways John preached the Good News to the people and urged them to change their ways. 19 But John reprimanded Governor Herod, because he had married Herodias, his brother's wife, and had done many other evil things. 20 Then Herod did an even worse thing by putting John in prison. 21 After all the people had been baptized, Jesus also was baptized. While he was praying, heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.” Reflect Being baptized with water indicated a desire to stop sinning and wanting to turn away from an old way of life. What was John’s message? What did he tell the people to do? Is his message relevant for today? Why or why not? Pray Thank you, God, for your messengers like John the Baptist, who preach of repentance and forgiveness of sins. Help me to see the things in my life for which I need to repent. Open my eyes to the needs of others and empower me to speak out against injustice. Amen. Prayer Concern Those preparing for baptism Tomorrow's Reading Luke 4:1-15: The Devil tempts Jesus. 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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