Members phkrause Posted March 27, 2013 Author Members Posted March 27, 2013 March 26, 2013 Luke 22:1-38 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Luke 22:1-38: The religious leaders seek to put Jesus to death, and Judas agrees to betray Jesus. Jesus prepares to eat the Passover meal with his disciples, and he announces that his betrayer is at the table. The disciples argue as to who among them should be thought of as the greatest. Peter says that he is ready to die with Jesus, but Jesus tells him that he will deny Jesus three times. Today’s Scripture: Luke 22:27b [Jesus said]: “I am among you as one who serves.” Today’s Reading 1 The time was near for the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover. 2 The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were afraid of the people, and so they were trying to find a way of putting Jesus to death secretly. 3 Then Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples. 4 So Judas went off and spoke with the chief priests and the officers of the Temple guard about how he could betray Jesus to them. 5 They were pleased and offered to pay him money. 6 Judas agreed to it and started looking for a good chance to hand Jesus over to them without the people knowing about it. 7 The day came during the Festival of Unleavened Bread when the lambs for the Passover meal were to be killed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John with these instructions: “Go and get the Passover meal ready for us to eat.” 9 “Where do you want us to get it ready?” they asked him. 10 He answered, “As you go into the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house: “The Teacher says to you, Where is the room where my disciples and I will eat the Passover meal?” 12 He will show you a large furnished room upstairs, where you will get everything ready. ” 13 They went off and found everything just as Jesus had told them, and they prepared the Passover meal. 14 When the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table with the apostles. 15 He said to them, “I have wanted so much to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer! 16 For I tell you, I will never eat it until it is given its full meaning in the Kingdom of God. ” 17 Then Jesus took a cup, gave thanks to God, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. 18 I tell you that from now on I will not drink this wine until the Kingdom of God comes. ” 19 Then he took a piece of bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.” 20 In the same way, he gave them the cup after the supper, saying, “This cup is God's new covenant sealed with my blood, which is poured out for you. 21 But, look! The one who betrays me is here at the table with me! 22 The Son of Man will die as God has decided, but how terrible for that man who betrays him! ” 23 Then they began to ask among themselves which one of them it could be who was going to do this. 24 An argument broke out among the disciples as to which one of them should be thought of as the greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the pagans have power over their people, and the rulers claim the title “Friends of the People.” 26 But this is not the way it is with you; rather, the greatest one among you must be like the youngest, and the leader must be like the servant. 27 Who is greater, the one who sits down to eat or the one who serves? The one who sits down, of course. But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You have stayed with me all through my trials; 29 and just as my Father has given me the right to rule, so I will give you the same right. 30 You will eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom, and you will sit on thrones to rule over the twelve tribes of Israel. 31 Simon, Simon! Listen! Satan has received permission to test all of you, to separate the good from the bad, as a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you turn back to me, you must strengthen your brothers. ” 33 Peter answered, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you and to die with you!” 34 “I tell you, Peter,” Jesus said, “the rooster will not crow tonight until you have said three times that you do not know me.” 35 Then Jesus asked his disciples, “When I sent you out that time without purse, bag, or shoes, did you lack anything?” “Not a thing,” they answered. 36 “But now,” Jesus said, “whoever has a purse or a bag must take it; and whoever does not have a sword must sell his coat and buy one. 37 For I tell you that the scripture which says, “He shared the fate of criminals,” must come true about me, because what was written about me is coming true. ” 38 The disciples said, “Look! Here are two swords, Lord!” “That is enough!” he replied. Reflect Reread verses 17-20. In ancient Israel, the bond between God and Israel was ratified with the blood of a sacrificial animal (see Exodus 24:8). What is your understanding of Jesus’ words and his reference to “God’s new covenant” sealed with Jesus’ blood? What did Jesus say to the disciples when they began arguing? Pray Lord Jesus, with your own holy and precious blood you have sealed God’s new covenant with us. I thank and praise you for your sacrificial love. Grant me a servant’s heart and teach me to serve with humility in your Kingdom. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who serve on church altar guilds Tomorrow's Reading Luke 22:39-71: Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives. 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 March 27, 2013 Author Members Posted March 27, 2013 March 27, 2013 Luke 22:39-71 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Luke 22:39-71: Jesus prays, knowing that he will have to suffer. Judas betrays him with a kiss. Jesus is arrested and questioned by the Council. Meanwhile, Peter denies that he knows Jesus, just as Jesus had predicted. Today’s Scripture: Luke 22:42 “Father,” he said, “if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me. Not my will, however, but your will be done.” Today’s Reading 39 Jesus left the city and went, as he usually did, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples went with him. 40 When he arrived at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 Then he went off from them about the distance of a stone's throw and knelt down and prayed. 42 “Father,” he said, “if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me. Not my will, however, but your will be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 In great anguish he prayed even more fervently; his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 Rising from his prayer, he went back to the disciples and found them asleep, worn out by their grief. 46 He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 47 Jesus was still speaking when a crowd arrived, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. He came up to Jesus to kiss him. 48 But Jesus said, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you betray the Son of Man?” 49 When the disciples who were with Jesus saw what was going to happen, they asked, “Shall we use our swords, Lord?” 50 And one of them struck the High Priest's slave and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “Enough of this!” He touched the man's ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and the officers of the Temple guard and the elders who had come there to get him, “Did you have to come with swords and clubs, as though I were an outlaw? 53 I was with you in the Temple every day, and you did not try to arrest me. But this is your hour to act, when the power of darkness rules. ” 54 They arrested Jesus and took him away into the house of the High Priest; and Peter followed at a distance. 55 A fire had been lit in the center of the courtyard, and Peter joined those who were sitting around it. 56 When one of the servant women saw him sitting there at the fire, she looked straight at him and said, “This man too was with Jesus!” 57 But Peter denied it, “Woman, I don't even know him!” 58 After a little while a man noticed Peter and said, “You are one of them, too!” But Peter answered, “Man, I am not!” 59 And about an hour later another man insisted strongly, “There isn't any doubt that this man was with Jesus, because he also is a Galilean!” 60 But Peter answered, “Man, I don't know what you are talking about!” At once, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned around and looked straight at Peter, and Peter remembered that the Lord had said to him, “Before the rooster crows tonight, you will say three times that you do not know me.” 62 Peter went out and wept bitterly. 63 The men who were guarding Jesus made fun of him and beat him. 64 They blindfolded him and asked him, “Who hit you? Guess!” 65 And they said many other insulting things to him. 66 When day came, the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law met together, and Jesus was brought before the Council. 67 “Tell us,” they said, “are you the Messiah?” He answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me; 68 and if I ask you a question, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right side of Almighty God. ” 70 They all said, “Are you, then, the Son of God?” He answered them, “You say that I am.” 71 And they said, “We don't need any witnesses! We ourselves have heard what he said!” Reflect Reread verses 54-62. What promise (see 22:33) had Peter made to Jesus? Why wasn’t he able to keep his promise? How did he feel after he denied Jesus? What does it mean to deny Jesus? How does this kind of denial take place in today’s world? Pray Lord Jesus, there are times when I have denied you. Help me find ways to claim and share your presence in my life, that I may share the Good News of your salvation and love. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who deny Christ Tomorrow's Reading Luke 23:1-25: Jesus is tried before Pilate and Herod. 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 March 28, 2013 Author Members Posted March 28, 2013 March 28, 2013 Luke 23:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Luke 23:1-25: The council leaders take Jesus to Pilate for questioning; and Pilate, finding no reason to condemn Jesus, sends him to Herod. The chief priests bring charges against him, and Jesus refuses to answer the charges. Jesus is returned to Pilate, the crowd calls for his crucifixion, and Pilate sentences Jesus to death. Today’s Scripture: Luke 23:20, 21 Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, so he appealed to the crowd again. But they shouted back, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Today’s Reading 1 The whole group rose up and took Jesus before Pilate, 2 where they began to accuse him: “We caught this man misleading our people, telling them not to pay taxes to the Emperor and claiming that he himself is the Messiah, a king.” 3 Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “So you say,” answered Jesus. 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no reason to condemn this man.” 5 But they insisted even more strongly, “With his teaching he is starting a riot among the people all through Judea. He began in Galilee and now has come here.” 6 When Pilate heard this, he asked, “Is this man a Galilean?” 7 When he learned that Jesus was from the region ruled by Herod, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. 8 Herod was very pleased when he saw Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been wanting to see him for a long time. He was hoping to see Jesus perform some miracle. 9 So Herod asked Jesus many questions, but Jesus made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the teachers of the Law stepped forward and made strong accusations against Jesus. 11 Herod and his soldiers made fun of Jesus and treated him with contempt; then they put a fine robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. 12 On that very day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this they had been enemies. 13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought this man to me and said that he was misleading the people. Now, I have examined him here in your presence, and I have not found him guilty of any of the crimes you accuse him of. 15 Nor did Herod find him guilty, for he sent him back to us. There is nothing this man has done to deserve death. 16 So I will have him whipped and let him go. ” 18 The whole crowd cried out, “Kill him! Set Barabbas free for us!” ( 19 Barabbas had been put in prison for a riot that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) 20 Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, so he appealed to the crowd again. 21 But they shouted back, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” 22 Pilate said to them the third time, “But what crime has he committed? I cannot find anything he has done to deserve death! I will have him whipped and set him free.” 23 But they kept on shouting at the top of their voices that Jesus should be crucified, and finally their shouting succeeded. 24 So Pilate passed the sentence on Jesus that they were asking for. 25 He set free the man they wanted, the one who had been put in prison for riot and murder, and he handed Jesus over for them to do as they wished. Reflect Initially, Pilate could find no reason to condemn Jesus. Why did he then sentence Jesus to death?What did his action reveal about his character? Have you ever felt pressured to do something even though it went against your conscience? Pray Lord Jesus, for my sake you were sentenced to death by crucifixion even though you were innocent. Thank you, Lord, for your undying and sacrificial love for me. With a humble and grateful heart, I praise and magnify your holy name. Amen. Prayer Concern The ability to resist peer pressure and hold fast to one’s convictions Tomorrow's Reading Luke 23:26-49: Jesus is crucified. 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 March 30, 2013 Author Members Posted March 30, 2013 March 29, 2013 Luke 23:26-49 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Luke 23:26-49: The soldiers lead Jesus away, and Jesus is tortured, mocked, and nailed to a cross. Two criminals are also crucified with Jesus, and one of them receives Jesus’ promise that he will be in Paradise with Jesus. At noon, the sky turns dark. Three hours later, Jesus calls out to God and dies. Today’s Scripture: Luke 23:34a Jesus said, “Forgive them, Father! They don't know what they are doing.” Today’s Reading 26 The soldiers led Jesus away, and as they were going, they met a man from Cyrene named Simon who was coming into the city from the country. They seized him, put the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large crowd of people followed him; among them were some women who were weeping and wailing for him. 28 Jesus turned to them and said, “Women of Jerusalem! Don't cry for me, but for yourselves and your children. 29 For the days are coming when people will say, “How lucky are the women who never had children, who never bore babies, who never nursed them!” 30 That will be the time when people will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Hide us!” 31 For if such things as these are done when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry? ” 32 Two other men, both of them criminals, were also led out to be put to death with Jesus. 33 When they came to the place called “The Skull,” they crucified Jesus there, and the two criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Forgive them, Father! They don't know what they are doing.” They divided his clothes among themselves by throwing dice. 35 The people stood there watching while the Jewish leaders made fun of him: “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah whom God has chosen!” 36 The soldiers also made fun of him: they came up to him and offered him cheap wine, 37 and said, “Save yourself if you are the king of the Jews!” 38 Above him were written these words: “This is the King of the Jews.” 39 One of the criminals hanging there hurled insults at him: “Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 The other one, however, rebuked him, saying, “Don't you fear God? You received the same sentence he did. 41 Ours, however, is only right, because we are getting what we deserve for what we did; but he has done no wrong. ” 42 And he said to Jesus, “Remember me, Jesus, when you come as King!” 43 Jesus said to him, “I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me.” 44-45 It was about twelve o'clock when the sun stopped shining and darkness covered the whole country until three o'clock; and the curtain hanging in the Temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father! In your hands I place my spirit!” He said this and died. 47 The army officer saw what had happened, and he praised God, saying, “Certainly he was a good man!” 48 When the people who had gathered there to watch the spectacle saw what happened, they all went back home, beating their breasts in sorrow. 49 All those who knew Jesus personally, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance to watch. Reflect Reread versus 34-35. Jesus asked God to forgive his enemies while he was on the cross. Why is it difficult to forgive those who hurt or ridicule us? What gets in the way of your seeking forgiveness and forgiving others? Whom do you need to forgive? From whom do you need to ask forgiveness? Pray Gracious God, you are always there to forgive us when we approach your throne of grace and confess our sins. At times my pride has gotten in the way of my desire to forgive others. And at times my pride has kept me from seeking forgiveness. Humble me, Lord. Open my heart and mind, that I may reconcile my relationships with others and with you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking to restore broken relationships Tomorrow's Reading Luke 23:50-56: Jesus is buried. 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 March 30, 2013 Author Members Posted March 30, 2013 March 30, 2013 Luke 23:50-56 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Luke 23:50-56: Joseph of Arimathea asks for and receives the body of Jesus. He takes the body down from the cross, wraps it in linen, and places it in a newly hewn tomb. The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee see the tomb and then return home to prepare the spices and perfumes for the body. Today’s Scripture: Luke 23:50 There was a man named Joseph from Arimathea, a town in Judea. He was a good and honorable man, who was waiting for the coming of the Kingdom of God. Today’s Reading 50-51 There was a man named Joseph from Arimathea, a town in Judea. He was a good and honorable man, who was waiting for the coming of the Kingdom of God. Although he was a member of the Council, he had not agreed with their decision and action. 52 He went into the presence of Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took the body down, wrapped it in a linen sheet, and placed it in a tomb which had been dug out of solid rock and which had never been used. 54 It was Friday, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55 The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee went with Joseph and saw the tomb and how Jesus' body was placed in it. 56 Then they went back home and prepared the spices and perfumes for the body. On the Sabbath they rested, as the Law commanded. Reflect Joseph from Arimathea came from a small village in the hilly area called Ephraim, which was about twenty miles northwest of Jerusalem. He was a respected member of the Jewish Council, so he risked his reputation by helping give Jesus a proper burial. What might have given Joseph the courage to retrieve Jesus’ body? What gives you courage to stand for your beliefs? Pray Gracious Lord, you faced death on a cross to share God’s love and grace with all people. Grant me the courage to live in faith and bring your peace and justice to the world. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need of courage Tomorrow's Reading Luke 24:1-12: Jesus is raised to life. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 1, 2013 Author Members Posted April 1, 2013 March 31, 2013 Luke 24:1-12 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Luke 24:1-12: The women who go to the tomb discover that Jesus has risen from the dead. They go to tell the apostles, but the apostles dismiss their claims. Yet when Peter runs to the tomb, he sees only Jesus’ clothes lying there, and wonders what happened. Today’s Scripture: Luke 24:5b, 6a “Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? He is not here; he has been raised.” Today’s Reading 1 Very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, carrying the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the entrance to the tomb, 3 so they went in; but they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 They stood there puzzled about this, when suddenly two men in bright shining clothes stood by them. 5 Full of fear, the women bowed down to the ground, as the men said to them, “Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? 6 He is not here; he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was in Galilee: 7 “The Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and three days later rise to life.” ” 8 Then the women remembered his words, 9 returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven disciples and all the rest. 10 The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James; they and the other women with them told these things to the apostles. 11 But the apostles thought that what the women said was nonsense, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; he bent down and saw the grave cloths but nothing else. Then he went back home amazed at what had happened. Reflect How did the apostles react to what they were told by the women who had gone to the tomb? Why do you think they reacted that way? Do you find the women’s story to be believable? Why or why not? Pray Jesus Christ, today we celebrate the good news of your resurrection! You amaze us with your mystery, wonder and grace. Give me faith and wisdom, that I may understand and experience your abundant love. Alleluia! You are risen! You are risen indeed! Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking to have a relationship with Christ Tomorrow's Reading Luke 24:13-35: Two of Jesus’ followers meet him on the road to Emmaus. 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 April 1, 2013 Author Members Posted April 1, 2013 April 1, 2013 Luke 24:13-35 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Luke 24:13-35: Two disciples meet Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Not recognizing him, they tell him what had happened the past few days. After beginning to share a meal with him, they realize he is Jesus raised from the dead. Then they return to Jerusalem and share this good news with others. Today’s Scripture: Luke 24:26 [Jesus said]: “Was it not necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and then to enter his glory?” Today’s Reading 13 On that same day two of Jesus' followers were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking to each other about all the things that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed, Jesus himself drew near and walked along with them; 16 they saw him, but somehow did not recognize him. 17 Jesus said to them, “What are you talking about to each other, as you walk along?” They stood still, with sad faces. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn't know the things that have been happening there these last few days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “The things that happened to Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “This man was a prophet and was considered by God and by all the people to be powerful in everything he said and did. 20 Our chief priests and rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and he was crucified. 21 And we had hoped that he would be the one who was going to set Israel free! Besides all that, this is now the third day since it happened. 22 Some of the women of our group surprised us; they went at dawn to the tomb, 23 but could not find his body. They came back saying they had seen a vision of angels who told them that he is alive. 24 Some of our group went to the tomb and found it exactly as the women had said, but they did not see him. ” 25 Then Jesus said to them, “How foolish you are, how slow you are to believe everything the prophets said! 26 Was it not necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and then to enter his glory? ” 27 And Jesus explained to them what was said about himself in all the Scriptures, beginning with the books of Moses and the writings of all the prophets. 28 As they came near the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther; 29 but they held him back, saying, “Stay with us; the day is almost over and it is getting dark.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 He sat down to eat with them, took the bread, and said the blessing; then he broke the bread and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Wasn't it like a fire burning in us when he talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 33 They got up at once and went back to Jerusalem, where they found the eleven disciples gathered together with the others 34 and saying, “The Lord is risen indeed! He has appeared to Simon!” 35 The two then explained to them what had happened on the road, and how they had recognized the Lord when he broke the bread. Reflect Why didn’t the two disciples who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus recognize him right away? At what point did they recognize him? Why? How does one recognize Jesus today? Pray Lord Jesus, you are always in our midst—in the smile of a stranger, in the hands of those who work for justice, in arms outstretched in love. Forgive me for the times when I fail to recognize you. Heighten my awareness to your presence, that I may stay attuned to your way. Amen. Prayer Concern Those traveling today Tomorrow's Reading Luke 24:36-53: Jesus appears to his disciples. 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 April 2, 2013 Author Members Posted April 2, 2013 April 2, 2013 Luke 24:36-53 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Luke 24:36-53: As the disciples discuss all that has happened, Jesus appears to them, and they are terrified. Jesus shows them his wounds and asks for something to eat. Then he explains the Scriptures to them, blesses them, and returns to heaven. Today’s Scripture: Luke 24:51 As he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up into heaven. Today’s Reading 36 While the two were telling them this, suddenly the Lord himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were terrified, thinking that they were seeing a ghost. 38 But he said to them, “Why are you alarmed? Why are these doubts coming up in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, and see that it is I myself. Feel me, and you will know, for a ghost doesn't have flesh and bones, as you can see I have. ” 40 He said this and showed them his hands and his feet. 41 They still could not believe, they were so full of joy and wonder; so he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of cooked fish, 43 which he took and ate in their presence. 44 Then he said to them, “These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets, and the Psalms had to come true.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “This is what is written: the Messiah must suffer and must rise from death three days later, 47 and in his name the message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised. But you must wait in the city until the power from above comes down upon you. ” 50 Then he led them out of the city as far as Bethany, where he raised his hands and blessed them. 51 As he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up into heaven. 52 They worshiped him and went back into Jerusalem, filled with great joy, 53 and spent all their time in the Temple giving thanks to God. Reflect How do the disciples respond when Jesus appears to them? Jesus shows them his wounded hands and feet so that they will know it is indeed he. What might that experience have been like for the disciples? What did they do after Jesus ascended into heaven? Reread verse 47. What does this verse teach about the role of Christians today? Pray Holy Jesus, even when we know you, you still surprise us. Thank you for the ways in which you are present with your disciples today. Give me courage to place my full trust in you. Amen. Prayer Concern Evangelists Tomorrow's Reading Romans 1:1-17: The apostle Paul proclaims 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 April 3, 2013 Author Members Posted April 3, 2013 April 3, 2013 Romans 1:1-17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Romans 1:1-17: Today we begin reading excerpts from Romans, a letter in which the apostle Paul provides a detailed summary of the Good News about Jesus Christ. Paul wrote this letter about 55-56 A.D. to introduce himself to the followers of Christ in Rome, who likely included new Gentile Christians as well as Jewish Christians. In today’s reading, Paul points out that he is an apostle called to preach the Good News. He offers a prayer of thanks for the Roman Christians and states his confidence in the gospel which is “God’s power to save all who believe.” Today’s Scripture: Romans 1:17b As the scripture says, “The person who is put right with God through faith shall live.” Today’s Reading 1 From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus and an apostle chosen and called by God to preach his Good News. 2 The Good News was promised long ago by God through his prophets, as written in the Holy Scriptures. 3 It is about his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: as to his humanity, he was born a descendant of David; 4 as to his divine holiness, he was shown with great power to be the Son of God by being raised from death. 5 Through him God gave me the privilege of being an apostle for the sake of Christ, in order to lead people of all nations to believe and obey. 6 This also includes you who are in Rome, whom God has called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 And so I write to all of you in Rome whom God loves and has called to be his own people: May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because the whole world is hearing about your faith. 9 God is my witness that what I say is true—the God whom I serve with all my heart by preaching the Good News about his Son. God knows that I remember you 10 every time I pray. I ask that God in his good will may at last make it possible for me to visit you now. 11 For I want very much to see you, in order to share a spiritual blessing with you to make you strong. 12 What I mean is that both you and I will be helped at the same time, you by my faith and I by yours. 13 You must remember, my friends, that many times I have planned to visit you, but something has always kept me from doing so. I want to win converts among you also, as I have among other Gentiles. 14 For I have an obligation to all peoples, to the civilized and to the savage, to the educated and to the ignorant. 15 So then, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who live in Rome. 16 I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God's power to save all who believe, first the Jews and also the Gentiles. 17 For the gospel reveals how God puts people right with himself: it is through faith from beginning to end. As the scripture says, “The person who is put right with God through faith shall live.” Reflect Reread verses 2-7. How does Paul describe the Good News? How does he describe what he is called to do? What does the “Good News” mean to you? According to Paul, what is the power of the gospel (verses 16-17)? Pray Holy God, I have complete confidence in the gospel, knowing that it is your power to save all who believe and that, through faith, I am put right with you. Thank you, Lord God, for your saving love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who have not yet heard the Good News Tomorrow's Reading Romans 3:9-31: The apostle Paul describes how we are put right with God. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 4, 2013 Author Members Posted April 4, 2013 April 4, 2013 Romans 3:9-31 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Romans 3:9-31: Paul declares that no one is righteous but that, through God’s grace, all are put right with God through Christ Jesus. Today’s Scripture: Romans 3:24 By the free gift of God’s grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. Today’s Reading 9 Well then, are we Jews in any better condition than the Gentiles? Not at all! I have already shown that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As the Scriptures say: “There is no one who is righteous, 11 no one who is wise or who worships God. 12 All have turned away from God; they have all gone wrong; no one does what is right, not even one. 13 Their words are full of deadly deceit; wicked lies roll off their tongues, and dangerous threats, like snake's poison, from their lips; 14 their speech is filled with bitter curses. 15 They are quick to hurt and kill; 16 they leave ruin and destruction wherever they go. 17 They have not known the path of peace, 18 nor have they learned reverence for God.” 19 Now we know that everything in the Law applies to those who live under the Law, in order to stop all human excuses and bring the whole world under God's judgment. 20 For no one is put right in God's sight by doing what the Law requires; what the Law does is to make us know that we have sinned. 21 But now God's way of putting people right with himself has been revealed. It has nothing to do with law, even though the Law of Moses and the prophets gave their witness to it. 22 God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. God does this to all who believe in Christ, because there is no difference at all: 23 everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence. 24 But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. 25-26 God offered him, so that by his blood he should become the means by which people's sins are forgiven through their faith in him. God did this in order to demonstrate that he is righteous. In the past he was patient and overlooked people's sins; but in the present time he deals with their sins, in order to demonstrate his righteousness. In this way God shows that he himself is righteous and that he puts right everyone who believes in Jesus. 27 What, then, can we boast about? Nothing! And what is the reason for this? Is it that we obey the Law? No, but that we believe. 28 For we conclude that a person is put right with God only through faith, and not by doing what the Law commands. 29 Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles also? Of course he is. 30 God is one, and he will put the Jews right with himself on the basis of their faith, and will put the Gentiles right through their faith. 31 Does this mean that by this faith we do away with the Law? No, not at all; instead, we uphold the Law. Reflect What is at the core of Paul’s message in this passage? How many times does the word “faith” appear in today’s reading? What does Paul say about faith? What does Paul say about the Law? Pray Loving and merciful God, thank you for the free gift of your grace. Through your Son, Jesus, you have set me free from sin. Strengthen my faith and guide me in the way of your truth. Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking to strengthen their faith Tomorrow's Reading Romans 5:1-21: The apostle Paul describes how being put right with God helps us to live. 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 April 6, 2013 Author Members Posted April 6, 2013 April 5, 2013 Romans 5:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Romans 5:1-21: Being put right with God opens the way for living the new life of faith. The apostle Paul teaches that God’s love for us is poured into our hearts by means of God’s gift, the Holy Spirit, and that God’s grace comes to us through Jesus Christ. Today’s Scripture: Romans 5:8 But God has shown how much he loves us – it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! Today’s Reading 1 Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 He has brought us by faith into this experience of God's grace, in which we now live. And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God's glory! 3 We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, 4 endurance brings God's approval, and his approval creates hope. 5 This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to us. 6 For when we were still helpless, Christ died for the wicked at the time that God chose. 7 It is a difficult thing for someone to die for a righteous person. It may even be that someone might dare to die for a good person. 8 But God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! 9 By his blood we are now put right with God; how much more, then, will we be saved by him from God's anger! 10 We were God's enemies, but he made us his friends through the death of his Son. Now that we are God's friends, how much more will we be saved by Christ's life! 11 But that is not all; we rejoice because of what God has done through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has now made us God's friends. 12 Sin came into the world through one man, and his sin brought death with it. As a result, death has spread to the whole human race because everyone has sinned. 13 There was sin in the world before the Law was given; but where there is no law, no account is kept of sins. 14 But from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, death ruled over all human beings, even over those who did not sin in the same way that Adam did when he disobeyed God's command. Adam was a figure of the one who was to come. 15 But the two are not the same, because God's free gift is not like Adam's sin. It is true that many people died because of the sin of that one man. But God's grace is much greater, and so is his free gift to so many people through the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ. 16 And there is a difference between God's gift and the sin of one man. After the one sin, came the judgment of “Guilty”; but after so many sins, comes the undeserved gift of “Not guilty!” 17 It is true that through the sin of one man death began to rule because of that one man. But how much greater is the result of what was done by the one man, Jesus Christ! All who receive God's abundant grace and are freely put right with him will rule in life through Christ. 18 So then, as the one sin condemned all people, in the same way the one righteous act sets all people free and gives them life. 19 And just as all people were made sinners as the result of the disobedience of one man, in the same way they will all be put right with God as the result of the obedience of the one man. 20 Law was introduced in order to increase wrongdoing; but where sin increased, God's grace increased much more. 21 So then, just as sin ruled by means of death, so also God's grace rules by means of righteousness, leading us to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Reflect Reread verses 1-5. What does Paul teach about hope? In verses 6-19, what does he say about Adam and Christ? about sin and grace? According to Paul, what was the purpose of the Law (verse 20)? Pray Thank you, God, for making me your friend through the sacrificial death of your Son, Jesus. I now have peace and my heart is filled with hope because of being put right with you. Sin no longer has control of my life. Thank you, God, for your gift of grace and for loving me so. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need of God’s love and grace Tomorrow's Reading Romans 6:1-23: The apostle Paul explains how baptism brings us new life. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 6, 2013 Author Members Posted April 6, 2013 April 6, 2013 Romans 6:1-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Romans 6:1-23: Paul explains being baptized as dying to sin and being raised to life, just as Jesus died and was raised to life by God. Today’s Scripture: Romans 6:8 Since we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Today’s Reading 1 What shall we say, then? Should we continue to live in sin so that God's grace will increase? 2 Certainly not! We have died to sin—how then can we go on living in it? 3 For surely you know that when we were baptized into union with Christ Jesus, we were baptized into union with his death. 4 By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life. 5 For since we have become one with him in dying as he did, in the same way we shall be one with him by being raised to life as he was. 6 And we know that our old being has been put to death with Christ on his cross, in order that the power of the sinful self might be destroyed, so that we should no longer be the slaves of sin. 7 For when we die, we are set free from the power of sin. 8 Since we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that Christ has been raised from death and will never die again—death will no longer rule over him. 10 And so, because he died, sin has no power over him; and now he lives his life in fellowship with God. 11 In the same way you are to think of yourselves as dead, so far as sin is concerned, but living in fellowship with God through Christ Jesus. 12 Sin must no longer rule in your mortal bodies, so that you obey the desires of your natural self. 13 Nor must you surrender any part of yourselves to sin to be used for wicked purposes. Instead, give yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life, and surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes. 14 Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law but under God's grace. 15 What, then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law but under God's grace? By no means! 16 Surely you know that when you surrender yourselves as slaves to obey someone, you are in fact the slaves of the master you obey—either of sin, which results in death, or of obedience, which results in being put right with God. 17 But thanks be to God! For though at one time you were slaves to sin, you have obeyed with all your heart the truths found in the teaching you received. 18 You were set free from sin and became the slaves of righteousness. 19 (I use everyday language because of the weakness of your natural selves.) At one time you surrendered yourselves entirely as slaves to impurity and wickedness for wicked purposes. In the same way you must now surrender yourselves entirely as slaves of righteousness for holy purposes. 20 When you were the slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. 21 What did you gain from doing the things that you are now ashamed of The result of those things is death! 22 But now you have been set free from sin and are the slaves of God. Your gain is a life fully dedicated to him, and the result is eternal life. 23 For sin pays its wage—death; but God's free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord. Reflect The opening rhetorical question (verse 1) is in response to Romans 5:20 (see yesterday’s reading). Verse 15 is a similar rhetorical question. What does Paul say in verse 2? What does living a new life mean to you? Why does Paul exhort us to become “slaves of righteousness” (verse 18)? Pray Holy God, I surrender myself to your will in order that I may become a slave of righteousness for holy purposes. You have set me free from sin, and I dedicate my life to you. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those burdened by the weight of sin Tomorrow's Reading Romans 7:1-25: The apostle Paul describes his battle with sin. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 7, 2013 Author Members Posted April 7, 2013 April 7, 2013 Romans 7:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Romans 7:1-25: Some of Paul’s opponents were saying that he was making the Law into an evil or sinful thing. Paul wants to make it clear that this is not at all what he is saying. He goes on to explain the real function of God’s Law, which was given to show what sin is really like. Today’s Scripture: Romans 7:6b No longer do we serve in the old way of a written law, but in the new way of the Spirit. Today’s Reading 1 Certainly you will understand what I am about to say, my friends, because all of you know about law. The law rules over people only as long as they live. 2 A married woman, for example, is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives; but if he dies, then she is free from the law that bound her to him. 3 So then, if she lives with another man while her husband is alive, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is legally a free woman and does not commit adultery if she marries another man. 4 That is how it is with you, my friends. As far as the Law is concerned, you also have died because you are part of the body of Christ; and now you belong to him who was raised from death in order that we might be useful in the service of God. 5 For when we lived according to our human nature, the sinful desires stirred up by the Law were at work in our bodies, and all we did ended in death. 6 Now, however, we are free from the Law, because we died to that which once held us prisoners. No longer do we serve in the old way of a written law, but in the new way of the Spirit. 7 Shall we say, then, that the Law itself is sinful? Of course not! But it was the Law that made me know what sin is. If the Law had not said, “Do not desire what belongs to someone else,” I would not have known such a desire. 8 But by means of that commandment sin found its chance to stir up all kinds of selfish desires in me. Apart from law, sin is a dead thing. 9 I myself was once alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life, 10 and I died. And the commandment which was meant to bring life, in my case brought death. 11 Sin found its chance, and by means of the commandment it deceived me and killed me. 12 So then, the Law itself is holy, and the commandment is holy, right, and good. 13 But does this mean that what is good caused my death? By no means! It was sin that did it; by using what is good, sin brought death to me, in order that its true nature as sin might be revealed. And so, by means of the commandment sin is shown to be even more terribly sinful. 14 We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am a mortal, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do; for I don't do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate. 16 Since what I do is what I don't want to do, this shows that I agree that the Law is right. 17 So I am not really the one who does this thing; rather it is the sin that lives in me. 18 I know that good does not live in me—that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it. 19 I don't do the good I want to do; instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do. 20 If I do what I don't want to do, this means that I am no longer the one who does it; instead, it is the sin that lives in me. 21 So I find that this law is at work: when I want to do what is good, what is evil is the only choice I have. 22 My inner being delights in the law of God. 23 But I see a different law at work in my body—a law that fights against the law which my mind approves of. It makes me a prisoner to the law of sin which is at work in my body. 24 What an unhappy man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is taking me to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who does this through our Lord Jesus Christ! This, then, is my condition: on my own I can serve God's law only with my mind, while my human nature serves the law of sin. Reflect Describe in your own words Paul’s battle with sin. Can you identify with this type of conflict? If so, how? What is the role of the Law in this conflict? What is the role of Christ? What does it mean to you to serve “in the new way of the Spirit?” Pray Lord God, you know that at times I don’t do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate. Thank you, God, for rescuing me from this enslavement to sin through your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to serve you and order my steps this day. Amen. Prayer Concern Those experiencing inner turmoil and conflict Tomorrow's Reading Romans 15:1-13: The apostle Paul encourages the followers to have the same point of view among themselves. 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 April 8, 2013 Author Members Posted April 8, 2013 April 8, 2013 Romans 15:1-13 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Romans 15:1-13: Chapter 15 begins the conclusion of Paul’s letter. He encourages the followers not to please themselves but to act in ways that edify the community of believers. He explains that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles. Today’s Scripture: Romans 15:13 May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit. Today’s Reading 1 We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak to carry their burdens. We should not please ourselves. 2 Instead, we should all please other believers for their own good, in order to build them up in the faith. 3 For Christ did not please himself. Instead, as the scripture says, “The insults which are hurled at you have fallen on me.” 4 Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement which the Scriptures give us. 5 And may God, the source of patience and encouragement, enable you to have the same point of view among yourselves by following the example of Christ Jesus, 6 so that all of you together may praise with one voice the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you. 8 For I tell you that Christ's life of service was on behalf of the Jews, to show that God is faithful, to make his promises to their ancestors come true, 9 and to enable even the Gentiles to praise God for his mercy. As the scripture says, “And so I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to you.” 10 Again it says, “Rejoice, Gentiles, with God's people!” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all Gentiles; praise him, all peoples!” 12 And again, Isaiah says, “A descendant of Jesse will appear; he will come to rule the Gentiles, and they will put their hope in him.” 13 May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit. Reflect What words of encouragement does Paul give the believers in Rome? Why is building up one another in faith important to Paul? In what ways does your community of faith build up one another? What words of encouragement and hope can you bring to someone today? Pray God of hope and love, teach me day by day what is written in the Scriptures. Grant me patience to study your Word, and fill me with joy and peace so that, by the power of your Holy Spirit, I continue to grow in faith. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are without hope. Tomorrow's Reading 1 Corinthians 15:1-34: The apostle Paul discusses the meaning of Christ’s victory over death. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 9, 2013 Author Members Posted April 9, 2013 April 9, 2013 1 Corinthians 15:1-34 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction 1 Corinthians 15:1-34: Today we begin reading excerpts from the apostle Paul’s first letter to the people of Corinth. In this passage, Paul gives his most detailed teaching about the Christian hope for life after death. He says that God’s people will be raised to new life, just as God raised Jesus from death, and that our earthly bodies will be changed into eternal or spiritual bodies. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:22 For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ. Today’s Reading 1 And now I want to remind you, my friends, of the Good News which I preached to you, which you received, and on which your faith stands firm. 2 That is the gospel, the message that I preached to you. You are saved by the gospel if you hold firmly to it—unless it was for nothing that you believed. 3 I passed on to you what I received, which is of the greatest importance: that Christ died for our sins, as written in the Scriptures; 4 that he was buried and that he was raised to life three days later, as written in the Scriptures; 5 that he appeared to Peter and then to all twelve apostles. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred of his followers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have died. 7 Then he appeared to James, and afterward to all the apostles. 8 Last of all he appeared also to me—even though I am like someone whose birth was abnormal. 9 For I am the least of all the apostles—I do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God's church. 10 But by God's grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God's grace working with me. 11 So then, whether it came from me or from them, this is what we all preach, and this is what you believe. 12 Now, since our message is that Christ has been raised from death, how can some of you say that the dead will not be raised to life? 13 If that is true, it means that Christ was not raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised from death, then we have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe. 15 More than that, we are shown to be lying about God, because we said that he raised Christ from death—but if it is true that the dead are not raised to life, then he did not raise Christ. 16 For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is a delusion and you are still lost in your sins. 18 It would also mean that the believers in Christ who have died are lost. 19 If our hope in Christ is good for this life only and no more, then we deserve more pity than anyone else in all the world. 20 But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death, as the guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised. 21 For just as death came by means of a man, in the same way the rising from death comes by means of a man. 22 For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ. 23 But each one will be raised in proper order: Christ, first of all; then, at the time of his coming, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come; Christ will overcome all spiritual rulers, authorities, and powers, and will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father. 25 For Christ must rule until God defeats all enemies and puts them under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be defeated will be death. 27 For the scripture says, “God put all things under his feet. ” It is clear, of course, that the words “all things” do not include God himself, who puts all things under Christ. 28 But when all things have been placed under Christ's rule, then he himself, the Son, will place himself under God, who placed all things under him; and God will rule completely over all. 29 Now, what about those people who are baptized for the dead? What do they hope to accomplish? If it is true, as some claim, that the dead are not raised to life, why are those people being baptized for the dead? 30 And as for us—why would we run the risk of danger every hour? 31 My friends, I face death every day! The pride I have in you, in our life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord, makes me declare this. 32 If I have, as it were, fought “wild beasts” here in Ephesus simply from human motives, what have I gained? But if the dead are not raised to life, then, as the saying goes, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will die.” 33 Do not be fooled. “Bad companions ruin good character.” 34 Come back to your right senses and stop your sinful ways. I declare to your shame that some of you do not know God. Reflect What is the message that Paul says has the power by which believers are “saved” (verse 2)? Reread verses 12-19. What is Paul’s argument here? How does Paul contrast Christ with Adam? Pray Lord Jesus, I choose to live in union with you. Make me ever mindful of your death and resurrection, trusting in your presence through my struggles and in your promise of new life. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are terminally ill Tomorrow's Reading 1 Corinthians 15:35-58: Paul discusses the resurrected and immortal body. 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 April 10, 2013 Author Members Posted April 10, 2013 April 10, 2013 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction 1 Corinthians 15:35-58: The Corinthians had sent a letter to Paul asking him a number of questions. In this passage, Paul responds to the questions, “How can the dead be raised to life? What kind of body will they have?” (15:35). Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:52b For when the trumpet sounds, the dead will be raised, never to die again, and we shall all be changed. Today’s Reading 35 Someone will ask, “How can the dead be raised to life? What kind of body will they have?” 36 You fool! When you plant a seed in the ground, it does not sprout to life unless it dies. 37 And what you plant is a bare seed, perhaps a grain of wheat or some other grain, not the full-bodied plant that will later grow up. 38 God provides that seed with the body he wishes; he gives each seed its own proper body. 39 And the flesh of living beings is not all the same kind of flesh; human beings have one kind of flesh, animals another, birds another, and fish another. 40 And there are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies; the beauty that belongs to heavenly bodies is different from the beauty that belongs to earthly bodies. 41 The sun has its own beauty, the moon another beauty, and the stars a different beauty; and even among stars there are different kinds of beauty. 42 This is how it will be when the dead are raised to life. When the body is buried, it is mortal; when raised, it will be immortal. 43 When buried, it is ugly and weak; when raised, it will be beautiful and strong. 44 When buried, it is a physical body; when raised, it will be a spiritual body. There is, of course, a physical body, so there has to be a spiritual body. 45 For the scripture says, “The first man, Adam, was created a living being”; but the last Adam is the life-giving Spirit. 46 It is not the spiritual that comes first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. 47 The first Adam, made of earth, came from the earth; the second Adam came from heaven. 48 Those who belong to the earth are like the one who was made of earth; those who are of heaven are like the one who came from heaven. 49 Just as we wear the likeness of the man made of earth, so we will wear the likeness of the Man from heaven. 50 What I mean, friends, is that what is made of flesh and blood cannot share in God's Kingdom, and what is mortal cannot possess immortality. 51-52 Listen to this secret truth: we shall not all die, but when the last trumpet sounds, we shall all be changed in an instant, as quickly as the blinking of an eye. For when the trumpet sounds, the dead will be raised, never to die again, and we shall all be changed. 53 For what is mortal must be changed into what is immortal; what will die must be changed into what cannot die. 54 So when this takes place, and the mortal has been changed into the immortal, then the scripture will come true: “Death is destroyed; victory is complete!” 55 “Where, Death, is your victory? Where, Death, is your power to hurt?” 56 Death gets its power to hurt from sin, and sin gets its power from the Law. 57 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 So then, my dear friends, stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless. Reflect Paul teaches that those who are raised to life from death will have a completely new body. How can the hope of being raised to new life with Christ and living with God forever make a difference for people living today? What is the victory that God has given us (verse 57)? Pray Holy God, we yearn to experience a taste of your realm here on earth, even as we look toward eternal life with you. May my words and actions this day help to bring a glimpse of heaven to this present world, even as I wait for your future glory. Amen. Prayer Concern Those keeping vigil over a loved one Tomorrow's Reading Isaiah 25:1-9: God prepares a banquet. 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 April 11, 2013 Author Members Posted April 11, 2013 April 11, 2013 Isaiah 25:1-9 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Isaiah 25:1-9: Today’s passage is a prayer of thanks to God. It describes promises fulfilled, including the elimination of threats from enemies and shelter for those in need. It then offers a vision of God bringing new life as the Lord destroys the power of death, and promises that the people will celebrate in the presence and protection of God. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 25:9b “He is the LORD! We have put our trust in him, and now we are happy and joyful because he has saved us.” Today’s Reading 1 LORD, you are my God; I will honor you and praise your name. You have done amazing things; you have faithfully carried out the plans you made long ago. 2 You have turned cities into ruins and destroyed their fortifications. The palaces which our enemies built are gone forever. 3 The people of powerful nations will praise you; you will be feared in the cities of cruel nations. 4 The poor and the helpless have fled to you and have been safe in times of trouble. You give them shelter from storms and shade from the burning heat. Cruel enemies attack like a winter storm, 5 like drought in a dry land. But you, LORD, have silenced our enemies; you silence the shouts of cruel people, as a cloud cools a hot day. 6 Here on Mount Zion the LORD Almighty will prepare a banquet for all the nations of the world—a banquet of the richest food and the finest wine. 7 Here he will suddenly remove the cloud of sorrow that has been hanging over all the nations. 8 The Sovereign LORD will destroy death forever! He will wipe away the tears from everyone's eyes and take away the disgrace his people have suffered throughout the world. The LORD himself has spoken. 9 When it happens, everyone will say, “He is our God! We have put our trust in him, and he has rescued us. He is the LORD! We have put our trust in him, and now we are happy and joyful because he has saved us. ” Reflect Reread verses 7-8. The “cloud of sorrow” in verse 7 is understood in some other translations as “burial clothes.” If the people are experiencing sorrow or are in burial clothes, it is because Israel has been defeated by other nations. But verse 8 says that God will destroy death and end mourning. What images in this text are most powerful to you? Why? Pray Lord, you are my God. I will honor you and praise your name. You have done amazing things; you have faithfully carried out the plans you made long ago. Increase my trust in you, that I may more fully know and share your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are grieving the loss of a loved one Tomorrow's Reading Isaiah 26:1-19: God will give his people victory. 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 April 12, 2013 Author Members Posted April 12, 2013 April 12, 2013 Isaiah 26:1-19 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Isaiah 26:1-19: This passage is a song of victory for the Hebrew people. It celebrates God’s protection and affirms the faithfulness of the people. It says that God can be trusted to bring justice for all who obey, and to give new life to those experiencing death. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 26:3 You, LORD, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. Today’s Reading 1 A day is coming when the people will sing this song in the land of Judah: Our city is strong! God himself defends its walls! 2 Open the city gates and let the faithful nation enter, the nation whose people do what is right. 3 You, LORD, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. 4 Trust in the LORD forever; he will always protect us. 5 He has humbled those who were proud; he destroyed the strong city they lived in, and sent its walls crashing into the dust. 6 Those who were oppressed walk over it now and trample it under their feet. 7 LORD, you make the path smooth for good people; the road they travel is level. 8 We follow your will and put our hope in you; you are all that we desire. 9 At night I long for you with all my heart; when you judge the earth and its people, they will all learn what justice is. 10 Even though you are kind to the wicked, they never learn to do what is right. Even here in a land of righteous people they still do wrong; they refuse to recognize your greatness. 11 Your enemies do not know that you will punish them. LORD, put them to shame and let them suffer; let them suffer the punishment you have prepared. Show them how much you love your people. 12 You will give us prosperity, LORD; everything that we achieve is the result of what you do. 13 LORD our God, we have been ruled by others, but you alone are our LORD. 14 Now they are dead and will not live again; their ghosts will not rise, for you have punished them and destroyed them. No one remembers them any more. 15 LORD, you have made our nation grow, enlarging its territory on every side; and this has brought you honor. 16 You punished your people, LORD, and in anguish they prayed to you. 17 You, LORD, have made us cry out, as a woman in labor cries out in pain. 18 We were in pain and agony, but we gave birth to nothing. We have won no victory for our land; we have accomplished nothing. 19 Those of our people who have died will live again! Their bodies will come back to life. All those sleeping in their graves will wake up and sing for joy. As the sparkling dew refreshes the earth, so the LORD will revive those who have long been dead. Reflect Reread verses 15-18. God promised to give Abraham’s descendants, the people of Israel, their own land (Genesis 15:18-21; 17:1-8). The promise of regaining their land provided great hope to the people of Israel and Judah who had been forced to leave. Who is living in exile in our world today? How might these words provide hope for them? Pray God of hope and justice, be present with refugees around the world. Be present in the political, social and environmental situations that force people to leave their land, and fill them with a sense of your presence wherever they go. Amen. Prayer Concern Refugees Tomorrow's Reading Isaiah 40:1-31: The prophet Isaiah announces good news to God’s people living in exile. 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 April 13, 2013 Author Members Posted April 13, 2013 April 13, 2013 Isaiah 40:1-31 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Isaiah 40:1-31: Chapter 40 introduces a section in the book of Isaiah that contains a message of hope and comfort to God’s people who were living in exile in Babylonia. God is lauded as the greatest power in the universe. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 40:31a Those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. Today’s Reading 1 “Comfort my people,” says our God. “Comfort them! 2 Encourage the people of Jerusalem. Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven. I have punished them in full for all their sins. ” 3 A voice cries out, “Prepare in the wilderness a road for the LORD! Clear the way in the desert for our God! 4 Fill every valley; level every mountain. The hills will become a plain, and the rough country will be made smooth. 5 Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it. The LORD himself has promised this. ” 6 A voice cries out, “Proclaim a message!” “What message shall I proclaim?” I ask. “Proclaim that all human beings are like grass; they last no longer than wild flowers. 7 Grass withers and flowers fade when the LORD sends the wind blowing over them. People are no more enduring than grass. 8 Yes, grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God endures forever. ” 9 Jerusalem, go up on a high mountain and proclaim the good news! Call out with a loud voice, Zion; announce the good news! Speak out and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah that their God is coming! 10 The Sovereign LORD is coming to rule with power, bringing with him the people he has rescued. 11 He will take care of his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs together and carry them in his arms; he will gently lead their mothers. 12 Can anyone measure the ocean by handfuls or measure the sky with his hands? Can anyone hold the soil of the earth in a cup or weigh the mountains and hills on scales? 13 Can anyone tell the LORD what to do? Who can teach him or give him advice? 14 With whom does God consult in order to know and understand and to learn how things should be done? 15 To the LORD the nations are nothing, no more than a drop of water; the distant islands are as light as dust. 16 All the animals in the forests of Lebanon are not enough for a sacrifice to our God, and its trees are too few to kindle the fire. 17 The nations are nothing at all to him. 18 To whom can God be compared? How can you describe what he is like? 19 He is not like an idol that workers make, that metalworkers cover with gold and set in a base of silver. 20 Anyone who cannot afford silver or gold chooses wood that will not rot. He finds a skillful worker to make an image that won't fall down. 21 Do you not know? Were you not told long ago? Have you not heard how the world began? 22 It was made by the one who sits on his throne above the earth and beyond the sky; the people below look as tiny as ants. He stretched out the sky like a curtain, like a tent in which to live. 23 He brings down powerful rulers and reduces them to nothing. 24 They are like young plants, just set out and barely rooted. When the LORD sends a wind, they dry up and blow away like straw. 25 To whom can the holy God be compared? Is there anyone else like him? 26 Look up at the sky! Who created the stars you see? The one who leads them out like an army, he knows how many there are and calls each one by name! His power is so great— not one of them is ever missing! 27 Israel, why then do you complain that the LORD doesn't know your troubles or care if you suffer injustice? 28 Don't you know? Haven't you heard? The LORD is the everlasting God; he created all the world. He never grows tired or weary. No one understands his thoughts. 29 He strengthens those who are weak and tired. 30 Even those who are young grow weak; young people can fall exhausted. 31 But those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak. Reflect What words of hope and encouragement does Isaiah proclaim? Today’s reading is filled with images from the natural world that describe the nature of God and the nature of people. What are some of the images used to describe God? What are some of the images used to describe people? Which images are most striking to you? Pray Lord, you give strength to the weary. As I trust in you, may I find new strength and become strong like a soaring eagle, walking and running without getting tired. Thank you for your eternal love and care. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are tired and weary and in need of renewed strength Tomorrow's Reading Isaiah 41:1-29: God controls human events. 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 April 14, 2013 Author Members Posted April 14, 2013 April 14, 2013 Isaiah 41:1-29 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Isaiah 41:1-29: In today’s reading, the nations are called into God’s court to hear evidence concerning who controls human events. The Lord chooses the whole people of Israel to be his “servant.” As God’s servant, they are to trust only in the Lord and live according to God’s teachings (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 6:4-25). The chapter concludes with God’s challenge to the nations’ false gods. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 “Do not be afraid – I am with you! I am your God – let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.” Today’s Reading 1 God says, “Be silent and listen to me, you distant lands! Get ready to present your case in court; you will have your chance to speak. Let us come together to decide who is right. 2 Who was it that brought the conqueror from the east and makes him triumphant wherever he goes? Who gives him victory over kings and nations? His sword strikes them down as if they were dust. His arrows scatter them like straw before the wind. 3 He follows in pursuit and marches safely on, so fast that he hardly touches the ground! 4 Who was it that made this happen? Who has determined the course of history? I, the LORD, was there at the beginning, and I, the LORD, will be there at the end. 5 The people of distant lands have seen what I have done; they are frightened and tremble with fear. So they all assemble and come. 6 The skilled workers help and encourage each other. 7 The carpenter says to the goldsmith, “Well done!” The one who beats the idol smooth encourages the one who nails it together. They say, ‘The soldering is good'— and they fasten the idol in place with nails. 8 But you, Israel my servant, you are the people that I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham, my friend. 9 I brought you from the ends of the earth; I called you from its farthest corners and said to you, “You are my servant.” I did not reject you, but chose you. 10 Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you. 11 Those who are angry with you will know the shame of defeat. Those who fight against you will die 12 and will disappear from the earth. 13 I am the LORD your God; I strengthen you and tell you, “Do not be afraid; I will help you.” 14 The LORD says, Small and weak as you are, Israel, don't be afraid; I will help you. I, the holy God of Israel, am the one who saves you. 15 I will make you like a threshing board, with spikes that are new and sharp. You will thresh mountains and destroy them; hills will crumble into dust. 16 You will toss them in the air; the wind will carry them off, and they will be scattered by the storm. Then you will be happy because I am your God; you will praise me, the holy God of Israel. 17 When my people in their need look for water, when their throats are dry with thirst, then I, the LORD, will answer their prayer; I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them. 18 I will make rivers flow among barren hills and springs of water run in the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water and the dry land into flowing springs. 19 I will make cedars grow in the desert, and acacias and myrtles and olive trees. Forests will grow in barren land, forests of pine and juniper and cypress. 20 People will see this and know that I, the LORD, have done it. They will come to understand that Israel's holy God has made it happen.” 21 The LORD, the king of Israel, has this to say: “You gods of the nations, present your case. Bring the best arguments you have! 22 Come here and predict what will happen, so that we will know it when it takes place. Explain to the court the events of the past, and tell us what they mean. 23 Tell us what the future holds— then we will know that you are gods! Do something good or bring some disaster; fill us with fear and awe! 24 You and all you do are nothing; those who worship you are disgusting! 25 I have chosen a man who lives in the east; I will bring him to attack from the north. He tramples on rulers as if they were mud, like a potter trampling clay. 26 Which of you predicted that this would happen, so that we could say that you were right? None of you said a word about it; no one heard you say a thing! 27 I, the LORD, was the first to tell Zion the news; I sent a messenger to Jerusalem to say, “Your people are coming! They are coming home!” 28 When I looked among the gods, none of them had a thing to say; not one could answer the questions I asked. 29 All these gods are useless; they can do nothing at all— these idols are weak and powerless.” Reflect What does God promise to do if Israel is a faithful servant? How does God provide encouragement to the Israelites? How do you understand God’s presence with faithful people today? How is God calling you and your community of faith to be like a faithful servant? Pray Lord God, you promise to fortify your faithful people for all challenges they face. Strengthen me this day for the challenges ahead, that I may serve you in all aspects of my life. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing difficulties at work Tomorrow's Reading Isaiah 42:1-25: The Lord’s servant will bring justice to every 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 April 16, 2013 Author Members Posted April 16, 2013 April 15, 2013 Isaiah 42:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Isaiah 42:1-25: 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.” 18 The LORD says, “Listen, you deaf people! Look closely, you that are blind! 19 Is anyone more blind than my servant, more deaf than the messenger I send? 20 Israel, you have seen so much, but what has it meant to you? You have ears to hear with, but what have you really heard?” 21 The LORD is a God who is eager to save, so he exalted his laws and teachings, and he wanted his people to honor them. 22 But now his people have been plundered; they are locked up in dungeons and hidden away in prisons. They were robbed and plundered, with no one to come to their rescue. 23 Will any of you listen to this? From now on will you listen with care? 24 Who gave Israel up to the looters? It was the LORD himself, against whom we sinned! We would not live as he wanted us to live or obey the teachings he gave us. 25 So he made us feel the force of his anger and suffer the violence of war. Like fire his anger burned throughout Israel, but we never knew what was happening; we learned nothing at all from it. Reflect Some scholars think that the servant referenced in this passage must have been an important royal or religious figure in Israel’s history, like King Josiah, the prophet Jeremiah, or even Isaiah. Others think it could be a reference to the people of Israel. Still others understand this passage as describing the life of God’s promised Messiah. What do you think? Pray Holy God, source of light and truth, light my path 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 Isaiah 43:1-28: God promises to rescue his people. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 17, 2013 Author Members Posted April 17, 2013 April 16, 2013 Isaiah 43:1-28 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Isaiah 43:1-28: God promises to allow the people to return to Judah and will arrange for their escape from Babylon. The most direct path back to Judah from Babylon was through the desert. Such a journey would be dangerous, but the Lord promises to provide water in the desert, just as he had done in the earlier exodus (Exodus 15:22-27; 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13). Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 43:11 “I alone am the LORD, the only one who can save you.” Today’s Reading 1 Israel, the LORD who created you says, “Do not be afraid—I will save you. I have called you by name—you are mine. 2 When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. 3 For I am the LORD your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you. I will give up Egypt to set you free; I will give up Ethiopia and Seba. 4 I will give up whole nations to save your life, because you are precious to me and because I love you and give you honor. 5 Do not be afraid—I am with you! From the distant east and the farthest west I will bring your people home. 6 I will tell the north to let them go and the south not to hold them back. Let my people return from distant lands, from every part of the world. 7 They are my own people, and I created them to bring me glory.” 8 God says, “Summon my people to court. They have eyes, but they are blind; they have ears, but they are deaf 9 Summon the nations to come to the trial. Which of their gods can predict the future? Which of them foretold what is happening now? Let these gods bring in their witnesses to prove that they are right, to testify to the truth of their words. 10 People of Israel, you are my witnesses; I chose you to be my servant, so that you would know me and believe in me and understand that I am the only God. Besides me there is no other god; there never was and never will be. 11 I alone am the LORD, the only one who can save you. 12 I predicted what would happen, and then I came to your aid. No foreign god has ever done this; you are my witnesses. 13 I am God and always will be. No one can escape from my power; no one can change what I do.” 14 Israel's holy God, the LORD who saves you, says, “To save you, I will send an army against Babylon; I will break down the city gates, and the shouts of her people will turn into crying. 15 I am the LORD, your holy God. I created you, Israel, and I am your king.” 16 Long ago the LORD made a road through the sea, a path through the swirling waters. 17 He led a mighty army to destruction, an army of chariots and horses. Down they fell, never to rise, snuffed out like the flame of a lamp! 18 But the LORD says, “Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. 19 Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already—you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there. 20 Even the wild animals will honor me; jackals and ostriches will praise me when I make rivers flow in the desert to give water to my chosen people. 21 They are the people I made for myself, and they will sing my praises!” 22 The LORD says, “But you were tired of me, Israel; you did not worship me. 23 You did not bring me your burnt offerings of sheep; you did not honor me with your sacrifices. I did not burden you by demanding offerings or wear you out by asking for incense. 24 You didn't buy incense for me or satisfy me with the fat of your animals. Instead you burdened me with your sins; you wore me out with the wrongs you have committed. 25 And yet, I am the God who forgives your sins, and I do this because of who I am. I will not hold your sins against you. 26 Let us go to court; bring your accusation! Present your case to prove you are in the right! 27 Your earliest ancestor sinned; your leaders sinned against me, 28 and your rulers profaned my sanctuary. So I brought destruction on Israel; I let my own people be insulted.” Reflect How will God rescue the people? What verses speak of God’s assurance of safety? What is the “new thing” that God will do (verse 19)? Does God do “new things” today? Pray Lord God, you have called me by name and I am yours. You alone are God and I thank and praise you for your life-giving love. Amen. Prayer Concern Nomadic peoples throughout the world Tomorrow's Reading Isaiah 44:1-28: The Lord is the only God. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 17, 2013 Author Members Posted April 17, 2013 April 17, 2013 Isaiah 44:1-28 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Isaiah 44:1-28: Israel is reminded that it is the Lord’s servant and that there is no other god but God alone. Idolatry is ridiculed. The Lord alone is Creator and Savior. Today’s reading concludes by referencing the Persian leader Cyrus who defeated the Babylonians in 539 B.C. and allowed the Israelites to return home. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 44:6b “I am the first, the last, the only God; there is no other god but me.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD says, “Listen now, Israel, my servant, my chosen people, the descendants of Jacob. 2 I am the LORD who created you; from the time you were born, I have helped you. Do not be afraid; you are my servant, my chosen people whom I love. 3 I will give water to the thirsty land and make streams flow on the dry ground. I will pour out my spirit on your children and my blessing on your descendants. 4 They will thrive like well-watered grass, like willows by streams of running water. 5 One by one, people will say, I am the LORD's.’ They will come to join the people of Israel. They each will mark the name of the LORD on their arms and call themselves one of God's people.” 6 The LORD, who rules and protects Israel, the LORD Almighty, has this to say: “I am the first, the last, the only God; there is no other god but me. 7 Could anyone else have done what I did? Who could have predicted all that would happen from the very beginning to the end of time? 8 Do not be afraid, my people! You know that from ancient times until now I have predicted all that would happen, and you are my witnesses. Is there any other god? Is there some powerful god I never heard of” 9 All those who make idols are worthless, and the gods they prize so highly are useless. Those who worship these gods are blind and ignorant—and they will be disgraced. 10 It does no good to make a metal image to worship as a god! 11 Everyone who worships it will be humiliated. The people who make idols are human beings and nothing more. Let them come and stand trial—they will be terrified and will suffer disgrace. 12 The metalworker takes a piece of metal and works with it over a fire. His strong arm swings a hammer to pound the metal into shape. As he works, he gets hungry, thirsty, and tired. 13 The carpenter measures the wood. He outlines a figure with chalk, carves it out with his tools, and makes it in the form of a man, a handsome human figure, to be placed in his house. 14 He might cut down cedars to use, or choose oak or cypress wood from the forest. Or he might plant a laurel tree and wait for the rain to make it grow. 15 A person uses part of a tree for fuel and part of it for making an idol. With one part he builds a fire to warm himself and bake bread; with the other part he makes a god and worships it. 16 With some of the wood he makes a fire; he roasts meat, eats it, and is satisfied. He warms himself and says, “How nice and warm! What a beautiful fire!” 17 The rest of the wood he makes into an idol, and then he bows down and worships it. He prays to it and says, “You are my god—save me!” 18 Such people are too stupid to know what they are doing. They close their eyes and their minds to the truth. 19 The maker of idols hasn't the wit or the sense to say, “Some of the wood I burned up. I baked some bread on the coals, and I roasted meat and ate it. And the rest of the wood I made into an idol. Here I am bowing down to a block of wood!” 20 It makes as much sense as eating ashes. His foolish ideas have so misled him that he is beyond help. He won't admit to himself that the idol he holds in his hand is not a god at all. 21 The LORD says, “Israel, remember this; remember that you are my servant. I created you to be my servant, and I will never forget you. 22 I have swept your sins away like a cloud. Come back to me; I am the one who saves you.” 23 Shout for joy, you heavens! Shout, deep places of the earth! Shout for joy, mountains, and every tree of the forest! The LORD has shown his greatness by saving his people Israel. 24 “I am the LORD, your savior; I am the one who created you. I am the LORD, the Creator of all things. I alone stretched out the heavens; when I made the earth, no one helped me. 25 I make fools of fortunetellers and frustrate the predictions of astrologers. The words of the wise I refute and show that their wisdom is foolishness. 26 But when my servant makes a prediction, when I send a messenger to reveal my plans, I make those plans and predictions come true. I tell Jerusalem that people will live there again, and the cities of Judah that they will be rebuilt. Those cities will rise from the ruins. 27 With a word of command I dry up the ocean. 28 I say to Cyrus, ‘You are the one who will rule for me; you will do what I want you to do: you will order that Jerusalem be rebuilt and that the foundations of the Temple be laid.’” Reflect What does today’s reading each us about God? What verses speak of God’s power? What does today’s reading say about idols made of metal and wood? Do people worship other types of false gods today? Explain. Pray Lord God, you alone are God. You are my Creator and Savior, and you are all-powerful. Great are you, O Lord! I shout for joy and sing your praises! Amen. Prayer Concern Those who put their trust in idols and other false gods Tomorrow's Reading Isaiah 45:1-25: The Persian leader Cyrus is chosen to help 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 April 18, 2013 Author Members Posted April 18, 2013 April 18, 2013 Isaiah 45:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Isaiah 45:1-25: The Persian leader Cyrus is chosen by the Lord to free God’s people who have been held captive and to rebuild Jerusalem. The holy God of Israel is the Lord of creation and history and is the only true God. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 45:22 “Turn to me now and be saved, people all over the world! I am the only God there is.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD has chosen Cyrus to be king. He has appointed him to conquer nations; he sends him to strip kings of their power; the LORD will open the gates of cities for him. To Cyrus the LORD says, 2 “I myself will prepare your way, leveling mountains and hills. I will break down bronze gates and smash their iron bars. 3 I will give you treasures from dark, secret places; then you will know that I am the LORD and that the God of Israel has called you by name. 4 I appoint you to help my servant Israel, the people that I have chosen. I have given you great honor, although you do not know me. 5 I am the LORD; there is no other god. I will give you the strength you need, although you do not know me. 6 I do this so that everyone from one end of the world to the other may know that I am the LORD and that there is no other god. 7 I create both light and darkness; I bring both blessing and disaster. I, the LORD, do all these things. 8 I will send victory from the sky like rain; the earth will open to receive it and will blossom with freedom and justice. I, the LORD, will make this happen. ” 9 Does a clay pot dare argue with its maker, a pot that is like all the others? Does the clay ask the potter what he is doing? Does the pot complain that its maker has no skill? 10 Do we dare say to our parents, “Why did you make me like this?” 11 The LORD, the holy God of Israel, the one who shapes the future, says: “You have no right to question me about my children or to tell me what I ought to do! 12 I am the one who made the earth and created human beings to live there. By my power I stretched out the heavens; I control the sun, the moon, and the stars. 13 I myself have stirred Cyrus to action to fulfill my purpose and put things right. I will straighten out every road that he travels. He will rebuild my city, Jerusalem, and set my captive people free. No one has hired him or bribed him to do this. ” The LORD Almighty has spoken. 14 The LORD says to Israel, “The wealth of Egypt and Ethiopia will be yours, and the tall men of Seba will be your slaves; they will follow you in chains. They will bow down to you and confess, ‘God is with you—he alone is God. 15 The God of Israel, who saves his people, is a God who conceals himself. 16 Those who make idols will all be ashamed; all of them will be disgraced. 17 But Israel is saved by the LORD, and her victory lasts forever; her people will never be disgraced.’” 18 The LORD created the heavens— he is the one who is God! He formed and made the earth— he made it firm and lasting. He did not make it a desolate waste, but a place for people to live. It is he who says, “I am the LORD, and there is no other god. 19 I have not spoken in secret or kept my purpose hidden. I did not require the people of Israel to look for me in a desolate waste. I am the LORD, and I speak the truth; I make known what is right.” 20 The LORD says, “Come together, people of the nations, all who survive the fall of the empire; present yourselves for the trial! The people who parade with their idols of wood and pray to gods that cannot save them— those people know nothing at all! 21 Come and present your case in court; let the defendants consult one another. Who predicted long ago what would happen? Was it not I, the LORD, the God who saves his people? There is no other god. 22 Turn to me now and be saved, people all over the world! I am the only God there is. 23 My promise is true, and it will not be changed. I solemnly promise by all that I am: Everyone will come and kneel before me and vow to be loyal to me. 24 They will say that only through me are victory and strength to be found; but all who hate me will suffer disgrace. 25 I, the LORD, will rescue all the descendants of Jacob, and they will give me praise. Reflect The word translated as “chosen” in verse 1 is the Hebrew word for messiah, or anointed one. Cyrus is the only non-Israelite in the Bible to be referenced in this way. What has God chosen him to do? How is God described in verses 12-19? Is there someone you know who needs to learn about God’s saving love? Pray Lord God, I kneel before you and place my trust in you. Your promises are true and in you alone can true victory and strength be found. Amen. Prayer Concern World leaders Tomorrow's Reading Isaiah 48:1-22: God is Lord of the future. 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 April 19, 2013 Author Members Posted April 19, 2013 April 19, 2013 Isaiah 48:1-22 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Isaiah 48:1-22: The Israelites are reminded of the consequences they experienced because they failed to obey God. But God rescues them from their captivity in Babylon and they are now free to return home. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 48:17b “I am the LORD your God, the one who wants to teach you for your own good and direct you in the way you should go.” Today’s Reading 1 Listen to this, people of Israel, you that are descended from Judah: You swear by the name of the LORD and claim to worship the God of Israel— but you don't mean a word you say. 2 And yet you are proud to say that you are citizens of the holy city and that you depend on Israel's God, whose name is the LORD Almighty. 3 The LORD says to Israel, “Long ago I predicted what would take place; then suddenly I made it happen. 4 I knew that you would prove to be stubborn, as rigid as iron and unyielding as bronze. 5 And so I predicted your future long ago, announcing events before they took place, to keep you from claiming that your idols and images made them happen. 6 All I foretold has now taken place; you have to admit my predictions were right. Now I will tell you of new things to come, events that I did not reveal before. 7 Only now am I making them happen; nothing like this took place in the past. If it had, you would claim that you knew all about it. 8 I knew that you couldn't be trusted, that you have always been known as a rebel. That is why you never heard of this at all, why no word of it ever came to your ears. 9 In order that people will praise my name, I am holding my anger in check; I am keeping it back and will not destroy you. 10 I have tested you in the fire of suffering, as silver is refined in a furnace. But I have found that you are worthless. 11 What I do is done for my own sake— I will not let my name be dishonored or let anyone else share the glory that should be mine and mine alone.” 12 The LORD says, “Listen to me, Israel, the people I have called! I am God, the first, the last, the only God! 13 My hands made the earth's foundations and spread the heavens out. When I summon earth and sky, they come at once and present themselves. 14 Assemble and listen, all of you! None of the gods could predict that the man I have chosen would attack Babylon; he will do what I want him to do. 15 I am the one who spoke and called him; I led him out and gave him success. 16 Now come close to me and hear what I say. From the beginning I have spoken openly and have always made my words come true.” 17 The holy God of Israel, the LORD who saves you, says: “I am the LORD your God, the one who wants to teach you for your own good and direct you in the way you should go. 18 If only you had listened to my commands! Then blessings would have flowed for you like a stream that never goes dry. Victory would have come to you like the waves that roll on the shore. 19 Your descendants would be as numerous as grains of sand, and I would have made sure they were never destroyed. ” 20 Go out from Babylon, go free! Shout the news gladly; make it known everywhere: “The LORD has saved his servant Israel! ” 21 When the LORD led his people through a hot, dry desert, they did not suffer from thirst. He made water come from a rock for them; he split the rock open, and water flowed out. 22 “There is no safety for sinners,” says the LORD. Reflect Reread verses 17-21. How would the Israelites have fared if they had listened to God’s commands? Now that they have been set free, what are they told to do? Do you ever find it hard to listen and follow God’s commands? Have you ever experienced consequences as a result? Pray Almighty God, teach me to listen for your voice and heed your commands. Teach me for my own good and direct me in the way I should go. I will “shout the news gladly” about your salvation and your steadfast love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those being released from prison today Tomorrow's Reading Isaiah 49:1-26: Israel is to be a light to the nations. 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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