Members phkrause Posted April 20, 2013 Author Members Posted April 20, 2013 April 20, 2013 Isaiah 49:1-26 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Isaiah 49:1-26: The prophet Isaiah focuses on the new future that the Lord is creating for the people of Israel. Even though Jerusalem lies in ruins, it will be restored and the people will rejoice. God will bless and protect those who return from exile. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 49:13 Sing, heavens! Shout for joy, earth! Let the mountains burst into song! The LORD will comfort his people; he will have pity on his suffering people. Today’s Reading 1 Listen to me, distant nations, you people who live far away! Before I was born, the LORD chose me and appointed me to be his servant. 2 He made my words as sharp as a sword. With his own hand he protected me. He made me like an arrow, sharp and ready for use. 3 He said to me, “Israel, you are my servant; because of you, people will praise me. ” 4 I said, “I have worked, but how hopeless it is! I have used up my strength, but have accomplished nothing. ” Yet I can trust the LORD to defend my cause; he will reward me for what I do. 5 Before I was born, the LORD appointed me; he made me his servant to bring back his people, to bring back the scattered people of Israel. The LORD gives me honor; he is the source of my strength. 6 The LORD said to me, “I have a greater task for you, my servant. Not only will you restore to greatness the people of Israel who have survived, but I will also make you a light to the nations— so that all the world may be saved.” 7 Israel's holy God and savior says to the one who is deeply despised, who is hated by the nations and is the servant of rulers: “Kings will see you released and will rise to show their respect; princes also will see it, and they will bow low to honor you.” This will happen because the LORD has chosen his servant; the holy God of Israel keeps his promises. 8 The LORD says to his people, “When the time comes to save you, I will show you favor and answer your cries for help. I will guard and protect you and through you make a covenant with all peoples. I will let you settle once again in your land that is now laid waste. 9 I will say to the prisoners, “Go free!” and to those who are in darkness, “Come out to the light!” They will be like sheep that graze on the hills; 10 they will never be hungry or thirsty. Sun and desert heat will not hurt them, for they will be led by one who loves them. He will lead them to springs of water. 11 I will make a highway across the mountains and prepare a road for my people to travel. 12 My people will come from far away, from the north and the west, and from Aswan in the south.” 13 Sing, heavens! Shout for joy, earth! Let the mountains burst into song! The LORD will comfort his people; he will have pity on his suffering people. 14 But the people of Jerusalem said, “The LORD has abandoned us! He has forgotten us.” 15 So the LORD answers, “Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you. 16 Jerusalem, I can never forget you! I have written your name on the palms of my hands. 17 Those who will rebuild you are coming soon, and those who destroyed you will leave. 18 Look around and see what is happening! Your people are assembling—they are coming home! As surely as I am the living God, you will be proud of your people, as proud as a bride is of her jewels. 19 Your country was ruined and desolate— but now it will be too small for those who are coming to live there. And those who left you in ruins will be far removed from you. 20 Your people who were born in exile will one day say to you, ‘This land is too small— we need more room to live in!’ 21 Then you will say to yourself, ‘Who bore all these children for me? I lost my children and could have no more. I was exiled and driven away— who brought these children up? I was left all alone— where did these children come from?’” 22 The Sovereign LORD says to his people: “I will signal to the nations, and they will bring your children home. 23 Kings will be like fathers to you; queens will be like mothers. They will bow low before you and honor you; they will humbly show their respect for you. Then you will know that I am the LORD; no one who waits for my help will be disappointed.” 24 Can you take away a soldier's loot? Can you rescue the prisoners of a tyrant? 25 The LORD replies, “That is just what is going to happen. The soldier's prisoners will be taken away, and the tyrant's loot will be seized. I will fight against whoever fights you, and I will rescue your children. 26 I will make your oppressors kill each other; they will be drunk with murder and rage. Then all people will know that I am the LORD, the one who saves you and sets you free. They will know that I am Israel's powerful God.” Reflect Reread verses 14-16. While in exile, many Israelites probably felt as if the Lord had forgotten about them. How might these words have encouraged them? Have you ever felt as though God had forgotten you? Where did you find encouragement during that time? Pray Loving God, there are times when I feel so distant from you. Reveal your presence to me, that I may always be mindful of your saving love. Heighten my awareness of you today. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who feel distant from God Tomorrow's Reading Jeremiah 29:1-23: The prophet Jeremiah sends a letter to the Jewish exiles in Babylonia. 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 21, 2013 Author Members Posted April 21, 2013 April 21, 2013 Jeremiah 29:1-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Jeremiah 29:1-23: Jeremiah delivers a message from the Lord. He reminds the Jewish exiles that they are living in Babylonia because the Lord brought them there. He says that they should settle there, build houses, and create a life for themselves. The people are warned not to be deceived by those who are speaking lies in God’s name. Today’s Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.” Today’s Reading 1 I wrote a letter to the priests, the prophets, the leaders of the people, and to all the others whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken away as prisoners from Jerusalem to Babylonia. 2 I wrote it after King Jehoiachin, his mother, the palace officials, the leaders of Judah and of Jerusalem, the engravers, and the skilled workers had been taken into exile. 3 I gave the letter to Elasah son of Shaphan and to Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom King Zedekiah of Judah was sending to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia. It said: 4 “The LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those people whom he allowed Nebuchadnezzar to take away as prisoners from Jerusalem to Babylonia: 5 ‘Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat what you grow in them. 6 Marry and have children. Then let your children get married, so that they also may have children. You must increase in numbers and not decrease. 7 Work for the good of the cities where I have made you go as prisoners. Pray to me on their behalf, because if they are prosperous, you will be prosperous too. 8 I, the LORD, the God of Israel, warn you not to let yourselves be deceived by the prophets who live among you or by any others who claim they can predict the future. Do not pay any attention to their dreams. 9 They are telling you lies in my name. I did not send them. I, the LORD Almighty, have spoken.’ 10 The LORD says, ‘When Babylonia's seventy years are over, I will show my concern for you and keep my promise to bring you back home. 11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. 12 Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. 13 You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart. 14 Yes, I say, you will find me, and I will restore you to your land. I will gather you from every country and from every place to which I have scattered you, and I will bring you back to the land from which I had sent you away into exile. I, the LORD, have spoken.’ 15 You say that the LORD has given you prophets in Babylonia. 16 Listen to what the LORD says about the king who rules the kingdom that David ruled and about the people of this city, that is, your relatives who were not taken away as prisoners with you. 17 The LORD Almighty says, ‘I am bringing war, starvation, and disease on them, and I will make them like figs that are too rotten to be eaten. 18 I will pursue them with war, starvation, and disease, and all the nations of the world will be horrified at what they see. Everywhere I scatter them, people will be shocked and terrified at what has happened to them. People will make fun of them and use their name as a curse. 19 This will happen to them because they did not obey the message that I kept on sending to them through my servants the prophets. They refused to listen. 20 All of you whom I sent into exile in Babylonia, listen to what I, the LORD, say.’ 21 The LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, has spoken about Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah, who are telling you lies in his name. He has said that he will hand them over to the power of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia, who will put them to death before your eyes. 22 When the people who were taken away as prisoners from Jerusalem to Babylonia want to bring a curse on someone, they will say, ‘May the LORD treat you like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylonia roasted alive!’ 23 This will be their fate because they are guilty of terrible sins—they have committed adultery and have told lies in the LORD's name. This was against the LORD's will; he knows what they have done, and he is a witness against them. The LORD has spoken.” Reflect Reread the promise made to the Jewish people living in exile in verses 10-14. What is important about this message, especially regarding worshiping the Lord? What made this message “good news” for the people in exile? What is to be the fate of those who are lying to the people in God’s name? Pray Gracious God, I don’t always understand the situations in which you place me. Help me to be attentive and present to whatever circumstances are before me, and to do the work you call me to do in every time and place. Amen. Prayer Concern The unemployed Tomorrow's Reading Jeremiah 30:1-24: The Lord promises to rescue the 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 22, 2013 Author Members Posted April 22, 2013 April 22, 2013 Jeremiah 30:1-24 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction Jeremiah 30:1-24: The Jewish exiles in Babylonia are experiencing deep suffering. Jeremiah declares that their weeping will be replaced by singing, and that joy will overtake grief. The Lord will rescue, heal and rebuild God’s people with mercy and compassion. Today’s Scripture: Jeremiah 30:18 The LORD says, “I will restore my people to their land and have mercy on every family; Jerusalem will be rebuilt, and its palace restored.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD, the God of Israel, 2 said to me, “Write down in a book everything that I have told you, 3 because the time is coming when I will restore my people, Israel and Judah. I will bring them back to the land that I gave their ancestors, and they will take possession of it again. I, the LORD, have spoken. ” 4 The LORD says to the people of Israel and Judah, 5 “I heard a cry of terror, a cry of fear and not of peace. 6 Now stop and think! Can a man give birth to a child? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor? Why is everyone so pale? 7 A terrible day is coming; no other day can compare with it— a time of distress for my people, but they will survive.” 8 The LORD Almighty says, “When that day comes, I will break the yoke that is around their neck and remove their chains, and they will no longer be the slaves of foreigners. 9 Instead, they will serve me, the LORD their God, and a descendant of David, whom I will enthrone as king. 10 My people, do not be afraid; people of Israel, do not be terrified. I will rescue you from that faraway land, from the land where you are prisoners. You will come back home and live in peace; you will be secure, and no one will make you afraid. 11 I will come to you and save you. I will destroy all the nations where I have scattered you, but I will not destroy you. I will not let you go unpunished; but when I punish you, I will be fair. I, the LORD, have spoken.” 12 The LORD says to his people, “Your wounds are incurable, your injuries cannot be healed. 13 There is no one to take care of you, no remedy for your sores, no hope of healing for you. 14 All your lovers have forgotten you; they no longer care about you. I have attacked you like an enemy; your punishment has been harsh because your sins are many and your wickedness is great. 15 Complain no more about your injuries; there is no cure for you. I punished you like this because your sins are many and your wickedness is great. 16 But now, all who devour you will be devoured, and all your enemies will be taken away as prisoners. All who oppress you will be oppressed, and all who plunder you will be plundered. 17 I will make you well again; I will heal your wounds, though your enemies say, ‘Zion is an outcast; no one cares about her.’ I, the LORD, have spoken.” 18 The LORD says, “I will restore my people to their land and have mercy on every family; Jerusalem will be rebuilt, and its palace restored. 19 The people who live there will sing praise; they will shout for joy. By my blessing they will increase in numbers; my blessing will bring them honor. 20 I will restore the nation's ancient power and establish it firmly again; I will punish all who oppress them. 21-22 Their ruler will come from their own nation, their prince from their own people. He will approach me when I invite him, for who would dare come uninvited? They will be my people, and I will be their God. I, the LORD, have spoken.” 23-24 The LORD's anger is a storm, a furious wind that will rage over the heads of the wicked. It will not end until he has done all that he intends to do. In days to come his people will understand this clearly. Reflect In this passage, the Jewish people are told to expect both punishment and forgiveness. How is punishment described? How is forgiveness described? What are your thoughts as you read this passage? Pray Almighty and faithful God, I come before you with a humble heart, seeking your mercy and forgiveness for my wrongdoings. Help me to be a channel of your grace and love to everyone I encounter today. Amen. Prayer Concern Innocent victims of warfare Tomorrow's Reading 1 Peter 1:1-25: Christians are encouraged to be filled with a living hope. 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 23, 2013 Author Members Posted April 23, 2013 April 23, 2013 1 Peter 1:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction 1 Peter 1:1-25: This letter was most likely written to Christians scattered across northern Asia Minor. They are told that they may have to face suffering because of their faith. They are reminded that God has chosen them, and they are encouraged to live holy lives and to be filled with a living hope because of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Today’s Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3 Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope. Today’s Reading 1 From Peter, apostle of Jesus Christ— To God's chosen people who live as refugees scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2 You were chosen according to the purpose of God the Father and were made a holy people by his Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be purified by his blood. May grace and peace be yours in full measure. 3 Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope, 4 and so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people. He keeps them for you in heaven, where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away. 5 They are for you, who through faith are kept safe by God's power for the salvation which is ready to be revealed at the end of time. 6 Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while because of the many kinds of trials you suffer. 7 Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 You love him, although you have not seen him, and you believe in him, although you do not now see him. So you rejoice with a great and glorious joy which words cannot express, 9 because you are receiving the salvation of your souls, which is the purpose of your faith in him. 10 It was concerning this salvation that the prophets made careful search and investigation, and they prophesied about this gift which God would give you. 11 They tried to find out when the time would be and how it would come. This was the time to which Christ's Spirit in them was pointing, in predicting the sufferings that Christ would have to endure and the glory that would follow. 12 God revealed to these prophets that their work was not for their own benefit, but for yours, as they spoke about those things which you have now heard from the messengers who announced the Good News by the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. These are things which even the angels would like to understand. 13 So then, have your minds ready for action. Keep alert and set your hope completely on the blessing which will be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 Be obedient to God, and do not allow your lives to be shaped by those desires you had when you were still ignorant. 15 Instead, be holy in all that you do, just as God who called you is holy. 16 The scripture says, “Be holy because I am holy.” 17 You call him Father, when you pray to God, who judges all people by the same standard, according to what each one has done; so then, spend the rest of your lives here on earth in reverence for him. 18 For you know what was paid to set you free from the worthless manner of life handed down by your ancestors. It was not something that can be destroyed, such as silver or gold; 19 it was the costly sacrifice of Christ, who was like a lamb without defect or flaw. 20 He had been chosen by God before the creation of the world and was revealed in these last days for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from death and gave him glory; and so your faith and hope are fixed on God. 22 Now that by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves and have come to have a sincere love for other believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart. 23 For through the living and eternal word of God you have been born again as the children of a parent who is immortal, not mortal. 24 As the scripture says, “All human beings are like grass, and all their glory is like wild flowers. The grass withers, and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” Reflect This passage offers assurance of God’s saving love and encourages believers to live as God’s holy people, even in the face of suffering. Are there situations that make it difficult for you to live faithfully? How does suffering impact your faith? How does God provide you with hope in times of trial? Pray Holy, gracious, and merciful God, even in times of challenge and suffering, you call me to live as your faithful disciple. Fill me with a living hope and strengthen my spirit, O Lord, that I may ever trust in you and proclaim the Good News of your love and salvation. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing religious persecution Tomorrow's Reading 1 Peter 2:1-25: God’s people are called to be “living stones” and a holy 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 25, 2013 Author Members Posted April 25, 2013 April 24, 2013 1 Peter 2:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction 1 Peter 2:1-25: As “living stones,” the new people of God are not only God’s temple, but also the priests who serve in the temple offering spiritual sacrifices to God. The people are called to obey human authority, relying on God’s promises in times of suffering. Today’s Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9 You are the chosen race, the King’s priests, the holy nation, God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light. Today’s Reading 1 Rid yourselves, then, of all evil; no more lying or hypocrisy or jealousy or insulting language. 2 Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved. 3 As the scripture says, “You have found out for yourselves how kind the Lord is.” 4 Come to the Lord, the living stone rejected by people as worthless but chosen by God as valuable. 5 Come as living stones, and let yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For the scripture says, “I chose a valuable stone, which I am placing as the cornerstone in Zion; and whoever believes in him will never be disappointed.” 7 This stone is of great value for you that believe; but for those who do not believe: “The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all.” 8 And another scripture says, “This is the stone that will make people stumble, the rock that will make them fall.” 9 But you are the chosen race, the King's priests, the holy nation, God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light. 10 At one time you were not God's people, but now you are his people; at one time you did not know God's mercy, but now you have received his mercy. 11 I appeal to you, my friends, as strangers and refugees in this world! Do not give in to bodily passions, which are always at war against the soul. 12 Your conduct among the heathen should be so good that when they accuse you of being evildoers, they will have to recognize your good deeds and so praise God on the Day of his coming. 13 For the sake of the Lord submit yourselves to every human authority: to the Emperor, who is the supreme authority, 14 and to the governors, who have been appointed by him to punish the evildoers and to praise those who do good. 15 For God wants you to silence the ignorant talk of foolish people by the good things you do. 16 Live as free people; do not, however, use your freedom to cover up any evil, but live as God's slaves. 17 Respect everyone, love other believers, honor God, and respect the Emperor. 18 You servants must submit yourselves to your masters and show them complete respect, not only to those who are kind and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 God will bless you for this, if you endure the pain of undeserved suffering because you are conscious of his will. 20 For what credit is there if you endure the beatings you deserve for having done wrong? But if you endure suffering even when you have done right, God will bless you for it. 21 It was to this that God called you, for Christ himself suffered for you and left you an example, so that you would follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, and no one ever heard a lie come from his lips. 23 When he was insulted, he did not answer back with an insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but placed his hopes in God, the righteous Judge. 24 Christ himself carried our sins in his body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by his wounds that you have been healed. 25 You were like sheep that had lost their way, but now you have been brought back to follow the Shepherd and Keeper of your souls. Reflect This passage was written in the context of the Roman Empire. In the midst of a non-Christian environment, Christians were advised to live a life of holiness, to obey the local authorities, and to be good neighbors. Are there times when a situation calls for protesting against authority? How do you deal with authority that causes injustice? What does it mean to you to be a “living stone”? Pray Lord God, Shepherd and Keeper of my soul, you have called me to become a living stone, building the spiritual temple. You have called me out of darkness into your own marvelous light. Lord Jesus, teach me to follow in your footsteps and to live for righteousness. Amen. Prayer Concern Construction workers Tomorrow's Reading 1 Peter 3:1-22: Christians are commended when called upon to suffer for doing what is right. 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 25, 2013 Author Members Posted April 25, 2013 April 25, 2013 1 Peter 3:1-22 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction 1 Peter 3:1-22: Followers are told to observe common cultural conventions of the time regarding marriage. Wives are to submit to their husbands so that their conduct will bring about a conversion among husbands who are not believers, and husbands are instructed to treat their wives with respect. The entire community of believers is given words of encouragement during times of suffering for doing what is right. Today’s Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15, 16a Have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect. Today’s Reading 1 In the same way you wives must submit yourselves to your husbands, so that if any of them do not believe God's word, your conduct will win them over to believe. It will not be necessary for you to say a word, 2 because they will see how pure and reverent your conduct is. 3 You should not use outward aids to make yourselves beautiful, such as the way you fix your hair, or the jewelry you put on, or the dresses you wear. 4 Instead, your beauty should consist of your true inner self, the ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of the greatest value in God's sight. 5 For the devout women of the past who placed their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful by submitting themselves to their husbands. 6 Sarah was like that; she obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are now her daughters if you do good and are not afraid of anything. 7 In the same way you husbands must live with your wives with the proper understanding that they are more delicate than you. Treat them with respect, because they also will receive, together with you, God's gift of life. Do this so that nothing will interfere with your prayers. 8 To conclude: you must all have the same attitude and the same feelings; love one another, and be kind and humble with one another. 9 Do not pay back evil with evil or cursing with cursing; instead, pay back with a blessing, because a blessing is what God promised to give you when he called you. 10 As the scripture says, “If you want to enjoy life and wish to see good times, you must keep from speaking evil and stop telling lies. 11 You must turn away from evil and do good; you must strive for peace with all your heart. 12 For the Lord watches over the righteous and listens to their prayers; but he opposes those who do evil.” 13 Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry. 15 But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, 16 but do it with gentleness and respect. Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as followers of Christ will become ashamed of what they say. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if this should be God's will, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners, in order to lead you to God. He was put to death physically, but made alive spiritually, 19 and in his spiritual existence he went and preached to the imprisoned spirits. 20 These were the spirits of those who had not obeyed God when he waited patiently during the days that Noah was building his boat. The few people in the boat—eight in all—were saved by the water, 21 which was a symbol pointing to baptism, which now saves you. It is not the washing off of bodily dirt, but the promise made to God from a good conscience. It saves you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone to heaven and is at the right side of God, ruling over all angels and heavenly authorities and powers. Reflect Most likely the suffering referred to in today’s reading pertains to some type of harassment the Christian community may have had to endure. They were looked upon with suspicion and hostility because of their faith practices. Have you ever had to bear witness to your faith in the midst of a hostile environment? In what ways can you prepare yourself to be ready “to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you”? Pray Holy God, nurture me each day with your Word so that I will always be ready to explain the hope that is in me and to proclaim the Good News of your love and salvation. Teach me to do so with gentleness and respect so that my words bring glory to you. Bind all people together as one in the body of Christ. Amen. Prayer Concern Those preparing for marriage Tomorrow's Reading 1 Peter 4:1-19: Christians are called upon to be good managers of God’s gifts. 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 27, 2013 Author Members Posted April 27, 2013 April 26, 2013 1 Peter 4:1-19 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction 1 Peter 4:1-19: Christians are called to live their lives controlled by God’s will. Being faithful to Christ means using God’s gifts to serve others, and each person is equipped with gifts to serve. Suffering as a Christian may be a painful test, but followers are exhorted to be glad that they are sharing Christ’s sufferings. Today’s Scripture: 1 Peter 4:14 Happy are you if you are insulted because you are Christ’s followers; this means that the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is resting on you. Today’s Reading 1 Since Christ suffered physically, you too must strengthen yourselves with the same way of thinking that he had; because whoever suffers physically is no longer involved with sin. 2 From now on, then, you must live the rest of your earthly lives controlled by God's will and not by human desires. 3 You have spent enough time in the past doing what the heathen like to do. Your lives were spent in indecency, lust, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and the disgusting worship of idols. 4 And now the heathen are surprised when you do not join them in the same wild and reckless living, and so they insult you. 5 But they will have to give an account of themselves to God, who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 That is why the Good News was preached also to the dead, to those who had been judged in their physical existence as everyone is judged; it was preached to them so that in their spiritual existence they may live as God lives. 7 The end of all things is near. You must be self-controlled and alert, to be able to pray. 8 Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers over many sins. 9 Open your homes to each other without complaining. 10 Each one, as a good manager of God's different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift he has received from God. 11 Those who preach must preach God's messages; those who serve must serve with the strength that God gives them, so that in all things praise may be given to God through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and power forever and ever. Amen. 12 My dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful test you are suffering, as though something unusual were happening to you. 13 Rather be glad that you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may be full of joy when his glory is revealed. 14 Happy are you if you are insulted because you are Christ's followers; this means that the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 15 If you suffer, it must not be because you are a murderer or a thief or a criminal or a meddler in other people's affairs. 16 However, if you suffer because you are a Christian, don't be ashamed of it, but thank God that you bear Christ's name. 17 The time has come for judgment to begin, and God's own people are the first to be judged. If it starts with us, how will it end with those who do not believe the Good News from God? 18 As the scripture says, “It is difficult for good people to be saved; what, then, will become of godless sinners?” 19 So then, those who suffer because it is God's will for them, should by their good actions trust themselves completely to their Creator, who always keeps his promise. Reflect Is there a special gift you have received from God? In what ways is your gift (or gifts) used for the good of others? Reread verses 12-16. Have you ever experienced suffering because of your faith? What words of encouragement can you find in these verses? Pray Lord God, teach me to share my gifts with others in order to build up the body of Christ and glorify you. In times of testing, embolden me with confidence in your care and ultimate love. Grant me wisdom and hope in times of suffering, that I may grow strong in you. Amen. Prayer Concern Houses of worship that have become targets of vandalism Tomorrow's Reading 1 Peter 5:1-14: Church leaders are to be like shepherds and serve as examples to their flocks. 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 27, 2013 Author Members Posted April 27, 2013 April 27, 2013 1 Peter 5:1-14 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction 1 Peter 5:1-14: Church leaders are encouraged to be like shepherds watching over their sheep (the people of God) until Christ, the Chief Shepherd, returns. They should do this willingly, not out of obligation, but out of joyful service to God. Today’s Scripture: 1 Peter 5:4 When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious crown which will never lose its brightness. Today’s Reading 1 I, who am an elder myself, appeal to the church elders among you. I am a witness of Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be revealed. I appeal to you 2 to be shepherds of the flock that God gave you and to take care of it willingly, as God wants you to, and not unwillingly. Do your work, not for mere pay, but from a real desire to serve. 3 Do not try to rule over those who have been put in your care, but be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious crown which will never lose its brightness. 5 In the same way you younger people must submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. 7 Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you. 8 Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Be firm in your faith and resist him, because you know that other believers in all the world are going through the same kind of sufferings. 10 But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation. 11 To him be the power forever! Amen. 12 I write you this brief letter with the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful Christian. I want to encourage you and give my testimony that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 Your sister church in Babylon, also chosen by God, sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of Christian love. May peace be with all of you who belong to Christ. Reflect In Jesus’ day, life was often difficult for shepherds. They spent most of their time outside watching over the herds, and often slept near their flocks to protect them from robbers and wild animals. Jesus identified with shepherds even though many looked down on them. How are church leaders like shepherds? What are the challenges of church leadership today? Pray Lord Jesus, our Great Shepherd, you call forth leaders to guide your Church. Empower your leaders today, that they may be like shepherds, watching over your people and leading them home. Grant them wisdom and strength for their work, and bless their homes and families. Amen. Prayer Concern Church leaders Tomorrow's Reading 2 Peter 1:1-21: God’s divine power gives us everything we need. 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 29, 2013 Author Members Posted April 29, 2013 April 28, 2013 2 Peter 1:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction 2 Peter 1:1-21: This letter begins with a greeting to an unknown group of Christians. They are told to live in a way that pleases God, improving their faith by cultivating goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, and godliness. Today’s Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3 God’s divine power has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness. Today’s Reading 1 From Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ— To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have been given a faith as precious as ours: 2 May grace and peace be yours in full measure through your knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 God's divine power has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness. 4 In this way he has given us the very great and precious gifts he promised, so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world, and may come to share the divine nature. 5 For this very reason do your best to add goodness to your faith; to your goodness add knowledge; 6 to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add endurance; to your endurance add godliness; 7 to your godliness add Christian affection; and to your Christian affection add love. 8 These are the qualities you need, and if you have them in abundance, they will make you active and effective in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if you do not have them, you are so shortsighted that you cannot see and have forgotten that you have been purified from your past sins. 10 So then, my friends, try even harder to make God's call and his choice of you a permanent experience; if you do so, you will never abandon your faith. 11 In this way you will be given the full right to enter the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 12 And so I will always remind you of these matters, even though you already know them and are firmly grounded in the truth you have received. 13 I think it only right for me to stir up your memory of these matters as long as I am still alive. 14 I know that I shall soon put off this mortal body, as our Lord Jesus Christ plainly told me. 15 I will do my best, then, to provide a way for you to remember these matters at all times after my death. 16 We have not depended on made-up stories in making known to you the mighty coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. With our own eyes we saw his greatness. 17 We were there when he was given honor and glory by God the Father, when the voice came to him from the Supreme Glory, saying, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased!” 18 We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 So we are even more confident of the message proclaimed by the prophets. You will do well to pay attention to it, because it is like a lamp shining in a dark place until the Day dawns and the light of the morning star shines in your hearts. 20 Above all else, however, remember that none of us can explain by ourselves a prophecy in the Scriptures. 21 For no prophetic message ever came just from the human will, but people were under the control of the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God. Reflect The Christian community is told that becoming one with God’s nature will help Jesus’ followers escape their old evil desires and the corrupt influences of the world. Here, acting in faith means doing things that show oneness with God. How can changing your behavior actually change the things you want? What spiritual disciplines, like prayer, study, fasting and attending retreats, might help you in experiencing oneness with God? Pray Lord God, in your divine power you have given me everything I need to live a life grounded in knowledge of you. Help me to grow strong in faith, and hold me firm to the truth you have shared with me—the glory and hope of Jesus Christ. Make me one with you in faith. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Spiritual retreat leaders Tomorrow's Reading 2 Peter 2:1-22: Followers are warned about false teachers. 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 30, 2013 Author Members Posted April 30, 2013 April 29, 2013 2 Peter 2:1-22 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction 2 Peter 2:1-22: Christians are warned to be on guard against false teachers, against whom harsh words are directed. Today’s reading includes examples from the past of how evil was punished and how God saved those who were faithful. Today’s Scripture: 2 Peter 2:9 And so the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and how to keep the wicked under punishment for the Day of Judgment. Today’s Reading 1 False prophets appeared in the past among the people, and in the same way false teachers will appear among you. They will bring in destructive, untrue doctrines, and will deny the Master who redeemed them, and so they will bring upon themselves sudden destruction. 2 Even so, many will follow their immoral ways; and because of what they do, others will speak evil of the Way of truth. 3 In their greed these false teachers will make a profit out of telling you made-up stories. For a long time now their Judge has been ready, and their Destroyer has been wide awake! 4 God did not spare the angels who sinned, but threw them into hell, where they are kept chained in darkness, waiting for the Day of Judgment. 5 God did not spare the ancient world, but brought the flood on the world of godless people; the only ones he saved were Noah, who preached righteousness, and seven other people. 6 God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying them with fire, and made them an example of what will happen to the godless. 7 He rescued Lot, a good man, who was distressed by the immoral conduct of lawless people. 8 That good man lived among them, and day after day he suffered agony as he saw and heard their evil actions. 9 And so the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials and how to keep the wicked under punishment for the Day of Judgment, 10 especially those who follow their filthy bodily lusts and despise God's authority. These false teachers are bold and arrogant, and show no respect for the glorious beings above; instead, they insult them. 11 Even the angels, who are so much stronger and mightier than these false teachers, do not accuse them with insults in the presence of the Lord. 12 But these people act by instinct, like wild animals born to be captured and killed; they attack with insults anything they do not understand. They will be destroyed like wild animals, 13 and they will be paid with suffering for the suffering they have caused. Pleasure for them is to do anything in broad daylight that will satisfy their bodily appetites; they are a shame and a disgrace as they join you in your meals, all the while enjoying their deceitful ways! 14 They want to look for nothing but the chance to commit adultery; their appetite for sin is never satisfied. They lead weak people into a trap. Their hearts are trained to be greedy. They are under God's curse! 15 They have left the straight path and have lost their way; they have followed the path taken by Balaam son of Beor, who loved the money he would get for doing wrong 16 and was rebuked for his sin. His donkey spoke with a human voice and stopped the prophet's insane action. 17 These people are like dried-up springs, like clouds blown along by a storm; God has reserved a place for them in the deepest darkness. 18 They make proud and stupid statements, and use immoral bodily lusts to trap those who are just beginning to escape from among people who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom while they themselves are slaves of destructive habits—for we are slaves of anything that has conquered us. 20 If people have escaped from the corrupting forces of the world through their knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and then are again caught and conquered by them, such people are in worse condition at the end than they were at the beginning. 21 It would have been much better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than to know it and then turn away from the sacred command that was given them. 22 What happened to them shows that the proverbs are true: “A dog goes back to what it has vomited” and “A pig that has been washed goes back to roll in the mud.” Reflect Chapter 1 of 2 Peter ended with the writer stating that true prophetic messages that come from God are spoken by those who are under the control of the Holy Spirit. How are the false prophets and teachers described here in chapter 2? Reread verses 20-22. What is your reaction to what is being said about those who learned the “way of righteousness” but turned away from what they were taught? Pray Lord Jesus, help me to discern and heed your voice always so that I am not led astray by those who distort your teachings. Keep me strong in faith and guided by your word of truth. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are misled by false teachings Tomorrow's Reading 2 Peter 3:1-18: The Lord’s return is promised. 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 30, 2013 Author Members Posted April 30, 2013 April 30, 2013 2 Peter 3:1-18 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Hope Introduction 2 Peter 3:1-18: The final chapter of 2 Peter focuses on the day of Christ’s return. Followers of Christ should not be upset by people who make fun of them because Christ hasn’t yet returned. Rather, they should stay strong in faith, awaiting the new heaven and new earth God promises. Today’s Scripture: 2 Peter 3:13 We wait for what God has promised: new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will be at home. Today’s Reading 1 My dear friends, this is now the second letter I have written you. In both letters I have tried to arouse pure thoughts in your minds by reminding you of these things. 2 I want you to remember the words that were spoken long ago by the holy prophets, and the command from the Lord and Savior which was given you by your apostles. 3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days some people will appear whose lives are controlled by their own lusts. They will make fun of you 4 and will ask, “He promised to come, didn't he? Where is he? Our ancestors have already died, but everything is still the same as it was since the creation of the world!” 5 They purposely ignore the fact that long ago God gave a command, and the heavens and earth were created. The earth was formed out of water and by water, 6 and it was also by water, the water of the flood, that the old world was destroyed. 7 But the heavens and the earth that now exist are being preserved by the same command of God, in order to be destroyed by fire. They are being kept for the day when godless people will be judged and destroyed. 8 But do not forget one thing, my dear friends! There is no difference in the Lord's sight between one day and a thousand years; to him the two are the same. 9 The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead, he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins. 10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that Day the heavens will disappear with a shrill noise, the heavenly bodies will burn up and be destroyed, and the earth with everything in it will vanish. 11 Since all these things will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people should you be? Your lives should be holy and dedicated to God, 12 as you wait for the Day of God and do your best to make it come soon—the Day when the heavens will burn up and be destroyed, and the heavenly bodies will be melted by the heat. 13 But we wait for what God has promised: new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will be at home. 14 And so, my friends, as you wait for that Day, do your best to be pure and faultless in God's sight and to be at peace with him. 15 Look on our Lord's patience as the opportunity he is giving you to be saved, just as our dear friend Paul wrote to you, using the wisdom that God gave him. 16 This is what he says in all his letters when he writes on the subject. There are some difficult things in his letters which ignorant and unstable people explain falsely, as they do with other passages of the Scriptures. So they bring on their own destruction. 17 But you, my friends, already know this. Be on your guard, then, so that you will not be led away by the errors of lawless people and fall from your safe position. 18 But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen. Reflect Today’s reading emphasizes the importance of patiently waiting for the Lord’s return and not losing hope. At the time of this letter, many had thought Christ would have already returned. According to the letter, what will the day of the Lord’s return be like? How are followers of Christ to act as they wait for his return? Pray Lord God, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Though I know not when you will return, you call all people of faith to help us experience your love by extending your grace throughout creation. Help me to grow in the knowledge of your Son, Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen. Prayer Concern Those experiencing anxiety Tomorrow's Reading Romans 8:1-17: The apostle Paul describes life in the Spirit. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 1, 2013 Author Members Posted May 1, 2013 May 1, 2013 Romans 8:1-17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction Romans 8:1-17: The apostle Paul says that living according to the Spirit and in union with Christ Jesus sets us free from sin and death. Being controlled by human nature is in opposition to being controlled by what the Spirit wants. Today’s Scripture: Romans 8:2 The law of the Spirit, which brings us life in union with Christ Jesus, has set me free from the law of sin and death. Today’s Reading 1 There is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit, which brings us life in union with Christ Jesus, has set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 What the Law could not do, because human nature was weak, God did. He condemned sin in human nature by sending his own Son, who came with a nature like our sinful nature, to do away with sin. 4 God did this so that the righteous demands of the Law might be fully satisfied in us who live according to the Spirit, and not according to human nature. 5 Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. Those who live as the Spirit tells them to, have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants. 6 To be controlled by human nature results in death; to be controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace. 7 And so people become enemies of God when they are controlled by their human nature; for they do not obey God's law, and in fact they cannot obey it. 8 Those who obey their human nature cannot please God. 9 But you do not live as your human nature tells you to; instead, you live as the Spirit tells you to—if, in fact, God's Spirit lives in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ lives in you, the Spirit is life for you because you have been put right with God, even though your bodies are going to die because of sin. 11 If the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from death, lives in you, then he who raised Christ from death will also give life to your mortal bodies by the presence of his Spirit in you. 12 So then, my friends, we have an obligation, but it is not to live as our human nature wants us to. 13 For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live. 14 Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's children. 15 For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, “Father! my Father!” 16 God's Spirit joins himself to our spirits to declare that we are God's children. 17 Since we are his children, we will possess the blessings he keeps for his people, and we will also possess with Christ what God has kept for him; for if we share Christ's suffering, we will also share his glory. Reflect Describe the conflict Paul writes about with regard to being controlled by human nature vs. being controlled by the Spirit. Have you ever experienced this type of conflict? What is the “obligation” Paul mentions in verse 12? What words of hope does Paul offer? Pray Thank you, God, for calling me to be your child and for setting me free from the law of sin and death. Lead me by the power of your Spirit so that my thoughts, words, and actions are pleasing to you and so that I might live in union with Christ Jesus. Amen. Prayer Concern Families experiencing conflict Tomorrow's Reading Romans 8:18-39: The apostle Paul describes the future glory for God’s people. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 2, 2013 Author Members Posted May 2, 2013 May 2, 2013 Romans 8:18-39 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction Romans 8:18-39: The apostle Paul says that all creation longs to be set free from slavery and decay and that our current suffering can’t compare to the glory that will one day be revealed. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, and we are assured that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Today’s Scripture: Romans 8:39b There is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. Today’s Reading 18 I consider that what we suffer at this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 All of creation waits with eager longing for God to reveal his children. 20 For creation was condemned to lose its purpose, not of its own will, but because God willed it to be so. Yet there was the hope 21 that creation itself would one day be set free from its slavery to decay and would share the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 For we know that up to the present time all of creation groans with pain, like the pain of childbirth. 23 But it is not just creation alone which groans; we who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts also groan within ourselves as we wait for God to make us his children and set our whole being free. 24 For it was by hope that we were saved; but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who of us hopes for something we see? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26 In the same way the Spirit also comes to help us, weak as we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express. 27 And God, who sees into our hearts, knows what the thought of the Spirit is; because the Spirit pleads with God on behalf of his people and in accordance with his will. 28 We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. 29 Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many believers. 30 And so those whom God set apart, he called; and those he called, he put right with himself, and he shared his glory with them. 31 In view of all this, what can we say? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 Certainly not God, who did not even keep back his own Son, but offered him for us all! He gave us his Son—will he not also freely give us all things? 33 Who will accuse God's chosen people? God himself declares them not guilty! 34 Who, then, will condemn them? Not Christ Jesus, who died, or rather, who was raised to life and is at the right side of God, pleading with him for us! 35 Who, then, can separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble do it, or hardship or persecution or hunger or poverty or danger or death? 36 As the scripture says, “For your sake we are in danger of death at all times; we are treated like sheep that are going to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! 38 For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, 39 neither the world above nor the world below—there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. Reflect What is the hope that Paul talks about in verses 18-25? Have you ever found it hard to pray? How does the Holy Spirit help in such times? Reread verses 31-39. What questions does Paul ask? How does he answer them? What verses do you find especially meaningful? Pray Lord God, you know my weaknesses and my inmost thoughts. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that pleads on my behalf when I find it hard to pray. With a humble heart I thank you for assuring me that, through Christ Jesus, I can never be separated from your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who find it hard to pray Tomorrow's Reading Romans 12:1-21: The apostle Paul describes life in God’s service. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 4, 2013 Author Members Posted May 4, 2013 May 3, 2013 Romans 12:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction Romans 12:1-21: The apostle Paul says that God’s people no longer need to offer dead animals or make any other sacrifice in order to please God. Rather they are to offer their whole selves in living service to God. Such service involves using the gifts each has received in accordance with God’s grace. Today’s Scripture: Romans 12:1b Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. Today’s Reading 1 So then, my friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. 2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect. 3 And because of God's gracious gift to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest in your thinking, and judge yourself according to the amount of faith that God has given you. 4 We have many parts in the one body, and all these parts have different functions. 5 In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body. 6 So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God's message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; 7 if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; 8 if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. 10 Love one another warmly as Christians, and be eager to show respect for one another. 11 Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. 12 Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. 13 Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers. 14 Ask God to bless those who persecute you—yes, ask him to bless, not to curse. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. 16 Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise. 17 If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. 18 Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. 19 Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God's anger do it. For the scripture says, “I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord.” 20 Instead, as the scripture says: “If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them a drink; for by doing this you will make them burn with shame.” 21 Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good. Reflect The words in verse 1 are derived from the consecration and killing of animals in temple sacrifice. Paul says that now we are to “offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him.” What is your understanding of these words? In what ways can you offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God? Reread verses 9-21. How does Paul describe life in community for God’s people? Pray Lord God, I offer myself to you as a living sacrifice, dedicated to a life of service that is pleasing to you. Transform me inwardly so that I may know and do your will. Teach me to share the gifts you have given me for the sake of building up your Kingdom and being an instrument of your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Community organizers Tomorrow's Reading Romans 13:1-14: The apostle Paul encourages Christians to obey state authorities. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 4, 2013 Author Members Posted May 4, 2013 May 4, 2013 Romans 13:1-14 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction Romans 13:1-14: The apostle Paul encourages Christians to obey state authorities, and he reminds believers of their duties toward one another and that the day of salvation is near. Today’s Scripture: Romans 13:10 If you love others, you will never do them wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law. Today’s Reading 1 Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. 2 Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself. 3 For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of those in authority? Then do what is good, and they will praise you, 4 because they are God's servants working for your own good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God's servants and carry out God's punishment on those who do evil. 5 For this reason you must obey the authorities—not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. 6 That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfill their duties. 7 Pay, then, what you owe them; pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all. 8 Be under obligation to no one—the only obligation you have is to love one another. Whoever does this has obeyed the Law. 9 The commandments, “Do not commit adultery; do not commit murder; do not steal; do not desire what belongs to someone else”—all these, and any others besides, are summed up in the one command, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” 10 If you love others, you will never do them wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law. 11 You must do this, because you know that the time has come for you to wake up from your sleep. For the moment when we will be saved is closer now than it was when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light. 13 Let us conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day—no orgies or drunkenness, no immorality or indecency, no fighting or jealousy. 14 But take up the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop paying attention to your sinful nature and satisfying its desires. Reflect Reread verses 1-7. What are your thoughts concerning these verses? Paul says that God’s people should obey earthly authorities because they are God’s servants. Are there times when civil disobedience is justified? What is your understanding of Paul’s words when he says that, when we love others, we are obeying the whole Law? Pray Lord God, your love for me is steadfast and sure. Guide my thoughts, words, and deeds this day so that I reflect your love to others and honor you. Amen. Prayer Concern Government officials Tomorrow's Reading Romans 14:1-23: The apostle Paul admonishes believers not to judge one another. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 5, 2013 Author Members Posted May 5, 2013 May 5, 2013 Romans 14:1-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction Romans 14:1-23: Some of the followers in Rome believed that it was wrong to eat meat, and others were saying that certain foods should only be eaten on certain days. Paul says that there will be differences among God’s people, but that all of the believers need to be accepting of one another and not judge each other. Today’s Scripture: Romans 14:17 For God’s Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. Today’s Reading 1 Welcome those who are weak in faith, but do not argue with them about their personal opinions. 2 Some people's faith allows them to eat anything, but the person who is weak in the faith eats only vegetables. 3 The person who will eat anything is not to despise the one who doesn't; while the one who eats only vegetables is not to pass judgment on the one who will eat anything; for God has accepted that person. 4 Who are you to judge the servants of someone else? It is their own Master who will decide whether they succeed or fail. And they will succeed, because the Lord is able to make them succeed. 5 Some people think that a certain day is more important than other days, while others think that all days are the same. We each should firmly make up our own minds. 6 Those who think highly of a certain day do so in honor of the Lord; those who will eat anything do so in honor of the Lord, because they give thanks to God for the food. Those who refuse to eat certain things do so in honor of the Lord, and they give thanks to God. 7 We do not live for ourselves only, and we do not die for ourselves only. 8 If we live, it is for the Lord that we live, and if we die, it is for the Lord that we die. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For Christ died and rose to life in order to be the Lord of the living and of the dead. 10 You then, who eat only vegetables—why do you pass judgment on others? And you who eat anything—why do you despise other believers? All of us will stand before God to be judged by him. 11 For the scripture says, “As surely as I am the living God, says the Lord, everyone will kneel before me, and everyone will confess that I am God.” 12 Every one of us, then, will have to give an account to God. 13 So then, let us stop judging one another. Instead, you should decide never to do anything that would make others stumble or fall into sin. 14 My union with the Lord Jesus makes me certain that no food is of itself ritually unclean; but if you believe that some food is unclean, then it becomes unclean for you. 15 If you hurt others because of something you eat, then you are no longer acting from love. Do not let the food that you eat ruin the person for whom Christ died! 16 Do not let what you regard as good get a bad name. 17 For God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. 18 And when you serve Christ in this way, you please God and are approved by others. 19 So then, we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another. 20 Do not, because of food, destroy what God has done. All foods may be eaten, but it is wrong to eat anything that will cause someone else to fall into sin. 21 The right thing to do is to keep from eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that will make other believers fall. 22 Keep what you believe about this matter, then, between yourself and God. Happy are those who do not feel guilty when they do something they judge is right! 23 But if they have doubts about what they eat, God condemns them when they eat it, because their action is not based on faith. And anything that is not based on faith is sin. Reflect Paul seeks to make the believers respect each other’s customs and to stop disagreements about food that seem to be causing division among them. Within your community of faith, are there times when conflicts occur over various customs and traditions that people hold dear? How are such conflicts resolved? Pray Lord God, help me not to be quick to judge others and teach me to treat with respect those whose opinions differ from mine. May the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives guide my every thought and action this day. Amen. Prayer Concern Communities of faith experiencing divisiveness Tomorrow's Reading 1 Corinthians 12:1-31: The apostle Paul teaches about spiritual gifts. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 7, 2013 Author Members Posted May 7, 2013 May 6, 2013 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction 1 Corinthians 12:1-31: The apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians about spiritual gifts. He says that there is one Spirit that offers many gifts, including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing powers, and more. He compares the body of Christ to a human body—many parts united in one being. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7 The Spirit’s presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all. Today’s Reading 1 Now, concerning what you wrote about the gifts from the Holy Spirit. I want you to know the truth about them, my friends. 2 You know that while you were still heathen, you were led astray in many ways to the worship of lifeless idols. 3 I want you to know that no one who is led by God's Spirit can say “A curse on Jesus!” and no one can confess “Jesus is Lord,” without being guided by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. 5 There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. 6 There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service. 7 The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all. 8 The Spirit gives one person a message full of wisdom, while to another person the same Spirit gives a message full of knowledge. 9 One and the same Spirit gives faith to one person, while to another person he gives the power to heal. 10 The Spirit gives one person the power to work miracles; to another, the gift of speaking God's message; and to yet another, the ability to tell the difference between gifts that come from the Spirit and those that do not. To one person he gives the ability to speak in strange tongues, and to another he gives the ability to explain what is said. 11 But it is one and the same Spirit who does all this; as he wishes, he gives a different gift to each person. 12 Christ is like a single body, which has many parts; it is still one body, even though it is made up of different parts. 13 In the same way, all of us, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether slaves or free, have been baptized into the one body by the same Spirit, and we have all been given the one Spirit to drink. 14 For the body itself is not made up of only one part, but of many parts. 15 If the foot were to say, “Because I am not a hand, I don't belong to the body,” that would not keep it from being a part of the body. 16 And if the ear were to say, “Because I am not an eye, I don't belong to the body,” that would not keep it from being a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were just an eye, how could it hear? And if it were only an ear, how could it smell? 18 As it is, however, God put every different part in the body just as he wanted it to be. 19 There would not be a body if it were all only one part! 20 As it is, there are many parts but one body. 21 So then, the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don't need you!” Nor can the head say to the feet, “Well, I don't need you!” 22 On the contrary, we cannot do without the parts of the body that seem to be weaker; 23 and those parts that we think aren't worth very much are the ones which we treat with greater care; while the parts of the body which don't look very nice are treated with special modesty, 24 which the more beautiful parts do not need. God himself has put the body together in such a way as to give greater honor to those parts that need it. 25 And so there is no division in the body, but all its different parts have the same concern for one another. 26 If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness. 27 All of you are Christ's body, and each one is a part of it. 28 In the church God has put all in place: in the first place apostles, in the second place prophets, and in the third place teachers; then those who perform miracles, followed by those who are given the power to heal or to help others or to direct them or to speak in strange tongues. 29 They are not all apostles or prophets or teachers. Not everyone has the power to work miracles 30 or to heal diseases or to speak in strange tongues or to explain what is said. 31 Set your hearts, then, on the more important gifts. Best of all, however, is the following way. Reflect What spiritual gifts does Paul list in this passage? What is the purpose of these gifts? Which of these gifts do you have? Which of these gifts do you see in others? Which of these gifts do you wish to cultivate? Pray Holy Spirit, open my heart to your spiritual gifts, that I may carry out the work of the church, reach out to others, and strengthen the body of Christ by providing life filled with joy, peace and worship. Amen. Prayer Concern Those discerning their spiritual gifts Tomorrow's Reading 1 Corinthians 14:1-25: The apostle Paul writes about speaking in strange tongues. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 7, 2013 Author Members Posted May 7, 2013 May 7, 2013 1 Corinthians 14:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction 1 Corinthians 14:1-25: In today’s reading, the apostle Paul discusses glossolalia, speaking in tongues. Paul argues in favor of prophecy (proclaiming God’s message) because prophecy edifies the community and serves the common good. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:3 Those who proclaim God’s message speak to people and give them help, encouragement, and comfort. Today’s Reading 1 It is love, then, that you should strive for. Set your hearts on spiritual gifts, especially the gift of proclaiming God's message. 2 Those who speak in strange tongues do not speak to others but to God, because no one understands them. They are speaking secret truths by the power of the Spirit. 3 But those who proclaim God's message speak to people and give them help, encouragement, and comfort. 4 Those who speak in strange tongues help only themselves, but those who proclaim God's message help the whole church. 5 I would like for all of you to speak in strange tongues; but I would rather that you had the gift of proclaiming God's message. For the person who proclaims God's message is of greater value than the one who speaks in strange tongues—unless there is someone present who can explain what is said, so that the whole church may be helped. 6 So when I come to you, my friends, what use will I be to you if I speak in strange tongues? Not a bit, unless I bring you some revelation from God or some knowledge or some inspired message or some teaching. 7 Take such lifeless musical instruments as the flute or the harp—how will anyone know the tune that is being played unless the notes are sounded distinctly? 8 And if the one who plays the bugle does not sound a clear call, who will prepare for battle? 9 In the same way, how will anyone understand what you are talking about if your message given in strange tongues is not clear? Your words will vanish in the air! 10 There are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 But if I do not know the language being spoken, those who use it will be foreigners to me and I will be a foreigner to them. 12 Since you are eager to have the gifts of the Spirit, you must try above everything else to make greater use of those which help to build up the church. 13 The person who speaks in strange tongues, then, must pray for the gift to explain what is said. 14 For if I pray in this way, my spirit prays indeed, but my mind has no part in it. 15 What should I do, then? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray also with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will sing also with my mind. 16 When you give thanks to God in spirit only, how can ordinary people taking part in the meeting say “Amen” to your prayer of thanksgiving? They have no way of knowing what you are saying. 17 Even if your prayer of thanks to God is quite good, other people are not helped at all. 18 I thank God that I speak in strange tongues much more than any of you. 19 But in church worship I would rather speak five words that can be understood, in order to teach others, than speak thousands of words in strange tongues. 20 Do not be like children in your thinking, my friends; be children so far as evil is concerned, but be grown up in your thinking. 21 In the Scriptures it is written, “By means of people speaking strange languages I will speak to my people, says the Lord. I will speak through lips of foreigners, but even then my people will not listen to me.” 22 So then, the gift of speaking in strange tongues is proof for unbelievers, not for believers, while the gift of proclaiming God's message is proof for believers, not for unbelievers. 23 If, then, the whole church meets together and everyone starts speaking in strange tongues—and if some ordinary people or unbelievers come in, won't they say that you are all crazy? 24 But if everyone is proclaiming God's message when some unbelievers or ordinary people come in, they will be convinced of their sin by what they hear. They will be judged by all they hear, 25 their secret thoughts will be brought into the open, and they will bow down and worship God, confessing, “Truly God is here among you!” Reflect What does Paul say about those who speak in strange tongues? Reread verse 5. Do you agree with Paul that “the person who proclaims God’s message is of greater value than the one who speaks in strange tongues”? Why or why not? Wherein is the value of speaking in tongues (see verses 5b, 13)? In what ways are your spiritual gifts used to build up the Church? Pray Lord God, I am eager to have the gifts of the Spirit. Teach me how to use those gifts to build up your holy Church. Guide my words and actions this day so that I may be a source of help, encouragement, and comfort to others. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need of encouragement and comfort Tomorrow's Reading 1 Corinthians 16:1-24: Paul concludes his letter with greetings to many in Corinth. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 9, 2013 Author Members Posted May 9, 2013 May 8, 2013 1 Corinthians 16:1-24 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction 1 Corinthians 16:1-24: Paul tells the Corinthians about the money he hopes to collect to help the followers in Jerusalem. He also hopes to come and see the Corinthians again soon. He closes by encouraging the Corinthians to welcome his friend Timothy and then sends greetings to many in Corinth. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13, 14 Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong. Do all your work in love. Today’s Reading 1 Now, concerning what you wrote about the money to be raised to help God's people in Judea. You must do what I told the churches in Galatia to do. 2 Every Sunday each of you must put aside some money, in proportion to what you have earned, and save it up, so that there will be no need to collect money when I come. 3 After I come, I shall give letters of introduction to those you have approved, and send them to take your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems worthwhile for me to go, then they can go along with me. 5 I shall come to you after I have gone through Macedonia—for I have to go through Macedonia. 6 I shall probably spend some time with you, perhaps the whole winter, and then you can help me to continue my trip, wherever it is I shall go next. 7 I want to see you more than just briefly in passing; I hope to spend quite a long time with you, if the Lord allows. 8 I will stay here in Ephesus until the day of Pentecost. 9 There is a real opportunity here for great and worthwhile work, even though there are many opponents. 10 If Timothy comes your way, be sure to make him feel welcome among you, because he is working for the Lord, just as I am. 11 No one should look down on him, but you must help him continue his trip in peace, so that he will come back to me; for I am expecting him back with the believers. 12 Now, about brother Apollos. I have often encouraged him to visit you with the other believers, but he is not completely convinced that he should go at this time. When he gets the chance, however, he will go. 13 Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong. 14 Do all your work in love. 15 You know about Stephanas and his family; they are the first Christian converts in Achaia and have given themselves to the service of God's people. I beg you, my friends, 16 to follow the leadership of such people as these, and of anyone else who works and serves with them. 17 I am happy about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; they have made up for your absence 18 and have cheered me up, just as they cheered you up. Such men as these deserve notice. 19 The churches in the province of Asia send you their greetings; Aquila and Priscilla and the church that meets in their house send warm Christian greetings. 20 All the believers here send greetings. Greet one another with the kiss of peace. 21 With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul 22 Whoever does not love the Lord—a curse on him! Maranatha —Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Reflect When he was in Jerusalem, Paul agreed to gather a collection for the believers in Jerusalem (see Romans 15:25-28; Galatians 2:10). What instructions does he give to the Corinthians (verse 2)? How are collections for those in need handled in your community of faith? “Marana tha” is a transliterated expression for “Our Lord, come!” and Paul concludes his letter with a prayer for Christ’s imminent return (verse 22). Why would Paul have ended his letter with those words? (See also Revelation 22:20). Pray O Lord Jesus, teach me to be alert, to stand firm in the faith, to be brave, to be strong, and to do everything in love. Come into my heart today and reign there forever. Amen. Prayer Concern The poor Tomorrow's Reading Acts 1:1-26: Jesus is taken up to heaven. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 9, 2013 Author Members Posted May 9, 2013 May 9, 2013 Acts 1:1-26 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction Acts 1:1-26: Jesus tells his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until God gives them the Holy Spirit, empowering them to share the Gospel everywhere. Then he is taken up to heaven. The apostles keep their eyes on the skies until two angels jolt them into action. The apostles choose a successor to Judas and meet and pray with other believers. Today’s Scripture: Acts 1:8 “But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Today’s Reading 1 Dear Theophilus: In my first book I wrote about all the things that Jesus did and taught from the time he began his work 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven. Before he was taken up, he gave instructions by the power of the Holy Spirit to the men he had chosen as his apostles. 3 For forty days after his death he appeared to them many times in ways that proved beyond doubt that he was alive. They saw him, and he talked with them about the Kingdom of God. 4 And when they came together, he gave them this order: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift I told you about, the gift my Father promised. 5 John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. ” 6 When the apostles met together with Jesus, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time give the Kingdom back to Israel?” 7 Jesus said to them, “The times and occasions are set by my Father's own authority, and it is not for you to know when they will be. 8 But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. ” 9 After saying this, he was taken up to heaven as they watched him, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They still had their eyes fixed on the sky as he went away, when two men dressed in white suddenly stood beside them 11 and said, “Galileans, why are you standing there looking up at the sky? This Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw him go to heaven.” 12 Then the apostles went back to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is about half a mile away from the city. 13 They entered the city and went up to the room where they were staying: Peter, John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Patriot, and Judas son of James. 14 They gathered frequently to pray as a group, together with the women and with Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers. 15 A few days later there was a meeting of the believers, about a hundred and twenty in all, and Peter stood up to speak. 16 “My friends,” he said, “the scripture had to come true in which the Holy Spirit, speaking through David, made a prediction about Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 Judas was a member of our group, for he had been chosen to have a part in our work. ” ( 18 With the money that Judas got for his evil act he bought a field, where he fell to his death; he burst open and all his insides spilled out. 19 All the people living in Jerusalem heard about it, and so in their own language they call that field Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”) 20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘May his house become empty; may no one live in it.’ It is also written, “May someone else take his place of service.” 21-22 So then, someone must join us as a witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He must be one of the men who were in our group during the whole time that the Lord Jesus traveled about with us, beginning from the time John preached his message of baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us to heaven. ” 23 So they proposed two men: Joseph, who was called Barsabbas (also known as Justus), and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know the thoughts of everyone, so show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to serve as an apostle in the place of Judas, who left to go to the place where he belongs. ” 26 Then they drew lots to choose between the two men, and the one chosen was Matthias, who was added to the group of eleven apostles. Reflect What instructions did Jesus give his disciples? Today’s reading reminds us that, even as we lift our eyes to the heavens in prayer, we are called to focus our activity here on earth in order to help bring about God’s peace and justice in our time. In what ways can you be a witness for Jesus and share the good news of God’s love wherever you are today? Pray Dear God, keep my eyes focused on what you would have me do today. Empower me to be a witness for you and share the good news of Jesus Christ wherever I am. Amen. Prayer Concern Airline pilots and flight attendants Tomorrow's Reading Psalm 47: God is king over all the world. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 10, 2013 Author Members Posted May 10, 2013 May 10, 2013 Psalm 47 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction Psalm 47: Today’s reading is a psalm proclaiming that God is our supreme ruler. It is a celebratory hymn in praise of God’s kingship and was probably used in some form of liturgical procession. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 47:8 God sits on his sacred throne; he rules over the nations. Today’s Reading 1 Clap your hands for joy, all peoples! Praise God with loud songs! 2 The LORD, the Most High, is to be feared; he is a great king, ruling over all the world. 3 He gave us victory over the peoples; he made us rule over the nations. 4 He chose for us the land where we live, the proud possession of his people, whom he loves. 5 God goes up to his throne. There are shouts of joy and the blast of trumpets, as the LORD goes up. 6 Sing praise to God; sing praise to our king! 7 God is king over all the world; praise him with songs! 8 God sits on his sacred throne; he rules over the nations. 9 The rulers of the nations assemble with the people of the God of Abraham. More powerful than all armies is he; he rules supreme. Reflect Psalm 47 was most likely used as a liturgical hymn in connection with a worship festival. Christians associate this psalm with Jesus’ ascension into heaven, and Jewish people associate this psalm with Rosh-ha-Shanah, the beginning of the new year. Reread verses 1-7. What are worshipers instructed to do? How are festival occasions celebrated in your community of faith? Pray Sovereign God, your reign is eternal. With my whole being I praise your holy name. With a song in my heart I joyfully proclaim your love for all people. You are king over all the world. Reign in my heart, Lord God! Amen. Prayer Concern Church musicians Tomorrow's Reading Psalm 50: True worship is described. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 11, 2013 Author Members Posted May 11, 2013 May 11, 2013 Psalm 50 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction Psalm 50: Today’s reading is a psalm that provides instructions on the kind of worship and sacrifice that is pleasing to God. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 50:14 Let the giving of thanks be your sacrifice to God, and give the Almighty all that you promised. Today’s Reading 1 The Almighty God, the LORD, speaks; he calls to the whole earth from east to west. 2 God shines from Zion, the city perfect in its beauty. 3 Our God is coming, but not in silence; a raging fire is in front of him, a furious storm around him. 4 He calls heaven and earth as witnesses to see him judge his people. 5 He says, “Gather my faithful people to me, those who made a covenant with me by offering a sacrifice.” 6 The heavens proclaim that God is righteous, that he himself is judge. 7 “Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you, Israel. I am God, your God. 8 I do not reprimand you because of your sacrifices and the burnt offerings you always bring me. 9 And yet I do not need bulls from your farms or goats from your flocks; 10 all the animals in the forest are mine and the cattle on thousands of hills. 11 All the wild birds are mine and all living things in the fields. 12 If I were hungry, I would not ask you for food, for the world and everything in it is mine. 13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? 14 Let the giving of thanks be your sacrifice to God, and give the Almighty all that you promised. 15 Call to me when trouble comes; I will save you, and you will praise me.” 16 But God says to the wicked, “Why should you recite my commandments? Why should you talk about my covenant? 17 You refuse to let me correct you; you reject my commands. 18 You become the friend of every thief you see, and you associate with adulterers. 19 You are always ready to speak evil; you never hesitate to tell lies. 20 You are ready to accuse your own relatives and to find fault with them. 21 You have done all this, and I have said nothing, so you thought that I am like you. But now I reprimand you and make the matter plain to you. 22 Listen to this, you that ignore me, or I will destroy you, and there will be no one to save you. 23 Giving thanks is the sacrifice that honors me, and I will surely save all who obey me.” Reflect As ruler of the world, God is concerned with justice. When people do not do God’s will, they are called to account. What verses suggest that the psalm is framed within the context of a covenant lawsuit? What does God say to the people regarding sacrifices? What does God say to the wicked? How will you honor God today? Pray Almighty God, you are righteous. May my sacrifice to you today be one of thanks and praise, and may all I do and say bring honor to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Worship leaders Tomorrow's Reading Galatians 1:1-24: The apostle Paul defends his apostleship and his message. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 13, 2013 Author Members Posted May 13, 2013 May 12, 2013 Galatians1:1-24 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction Galatians1:1-24: Today we begin reading the apostle Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia. The letter was written in response to a surmounting crisis brought about by other missionaries who were proclaiming a message to the Galatian Gentiles that was contrary to what Paul had taught. In today’s reading, Paul expresses his shock that the Galatians have accepted “another gospel,” and he defends his call to be an apostle. Today’s Scripture: Galatians 1:4 In order to set us free from this present evil age, Christ gave himself for our sins, in obedience to the will of our God and Father. Today’s Reading 1 From Paul, whose call to be an apostle did not come from human beings or by human means, but from Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from death. 2 All the believers who are here join me in sending greetings to the churches of Galatia: 3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 In order to set us free from this present evil age, Christ gave himself for our sins, in obedience to the will of our God and Father. 5 To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen. 6 I am surprised at you! In no time at all you are deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ, and are accepting another gospel. 7 Actually, there is no “other gospel,” but I say this because there are some people who are upsetting you and trying to change the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel that is different from the one we preached to you, may he be condemned to hell! 9 We have said it before, and now I say it again: if anyone preaches to you a gospel that is different from the one you accepted, may he be condemned to hell! 10 Does this sound as if I am trying to win human approval? No indeed! What I want is God's approval! Am I trying to be popular with people? If I were still trying to do so, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11 Let me tell you, my friends, that the gospel I preach is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any human being, nor did anyone teach it to me. It was Jesus Christ himself who revealed it to me. 13 You have been told how I used to live when I was devoted to the Jewish religion, how I persecuted without mercy the church of God and did my best to destroy it. 14 I was ahead of most other Jews of my age in my practice of the Jewish religion, and was much more devoted to the traditions of our ancestors. 15 But God in his grace chose me even before I was born, and called me to serve him. And when he decided 16 to reveal his Son to me, so that I might preach the Good News about him to the Gentiles, I did not go to anyone for advice, 17 nor did I go to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me. Instead, I went at once to Arabia, and then I returned to Damascus. 18 It was three years later that I went to Jerusalem to obtain information from Peter, and I stayed with him for two weeks. 19 I did not see any other apostle except James, the Lord's brother. 20 What I write is true. God knows that I am not lying! 21 Afterward I went to places in Syria and Cilicia. 22 At that time the members of the churches in Judea did not know me personally. 23 They knew only what others were saying: “The man who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith that he once tried to destroy!” 24 And so they praised God because of me. Reflect What has caused Paul to be surprised (verse 6)? By what authority does Paul claim to be an apostle? What biographical information does Paul provide about himself? What is the mission to which he has been called (verse 16)? Pray Lord Jesus, you sacrificed yourself for my sake and released me from the power of sin and the sting of death. Through you I have been given the gift of eternal life. To you be glory forever and ever! Amen. Prayer Concern Missionaries Tomorrow's Reading Galatians 2:1-21: Paul describes his meeting with the other apostles. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 14, 2013 Author Members Posted May 14, 2013 May 13, 2013 Galatians 2:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction Galatians 2:1-21: Paul describes his meeting with the apostles in Jerusalem, and he reports on a disagreement he had with Peter in Antioch. The chapter concludes with Paul’s teaching on how one is put right with God. Today’s Scripture: Galatians 2:16a Yet we know that a person is put right with God only through faith in Jesus Christ, never by doing what the Law requires. Today’s Reading 1 Fourteen years later I went back to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went because God revealed to me that I should go. In a private meeting with the leaders I explained the gospel message that I preach to the Gentiles. I did not want my work in the past or in the present to be a failure. 3 My companion Titus, even though he is Greek, was not forced to be circumcised, 4 although some wanted it done. Pretending to be believers, these men slipped into our group as spies, in order to find out about the freedom we have through our union with Christ Jesus. They wanted to make slaves of us, 5 but in order to keep the truth of the gospel safe for you, we did not give in to them for a minute. 6 But those who seemed to be the leaders—I say this because it makes no difference to me what they were; God does not judge by outward appearances—those leaders, I say, made no new suggestions to me. 7 On the contrary, they saw that God had given me the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the task of preaching the gospel to the Jews. 8 For by God's power I was made an apostle to the Gentiles, just as Peter was made an apostle to the Jews. 9 James, Peter, and John, who seemed to be the leaders, recognized that God had given me this special task; so they shook hands with Barnabas and me, as a sign that we were all partners. We agreed that Barnabas and I would work among the Gentiles and they among the Jews. 10 All they asked was that we should remember the needy in their group, which is the very thing I have been eager to do. 11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him in public, because he was clearly wrong. 12 Before some men who had been sent by James arrived there, Peter had been eating with the Gentile believers. But after these men arrived, he drew back and would not eat with the Gentiles, because he was afraid of those who were in favor of circumcising them. 13 The other Jewish believers also started acting like cowards along with Peter; and even Barnabas was swept along by their cowardly action. 14 When I saw that they were not walking a straight path in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you have been living like a Gentile, not like a Jew. How, then, can you try to force Gentiles to live like Jews?” 15 Indeed, we are Jews by birth and not “Gentile sinners,” as they are called. 16 Yet we know that a person is put right with God only through faith in Jesus Christ, never by doing what the Law requires. We, too, have believed in Christ Jesus in order to be put right with God through our faith in Christ, and not by doing what the Law requires. For no one is put right with God by doing what the Law requires. 17 If, then, as we try to be put right with God by our union with Christ, we are found to be sinners, as much as the Gentiles are—does this mean that Christ is serving the cause of sin? By no means! 18 If I start to rebuild the system of Law that I tore down, then I show myself to be someone who breaks the Law. 19 So far as the Law is concerned, however, I am dead—killed by the Law itself—in order that I might live for God. I have been put to death with Christ on his cross, 20 so that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me. 21 I refuse to reject the grace of God. But if a person is put right with God through the Law, it means that Christ died for nothing! Reflect What was the “special task” that the apostles recognized had been given to Paul (verses 7-9)? The apostles asked that Paul “remember the needy in their group” (verse 10). In what ways do faith-based organizations remember the needy today? How do you remember the needy? What was the source of Paul’s conflict with Peter (verses 11-14)? According to Paul, how are we “put right” with God (verses 15-21)? What does being “put right with God” mean to you? Pray Almighty God, thank you for the gift of faith in your Son, Jesus, through which I have been reconciled and put right with you. Teach me to live my life in obedience to your will and in ways that reflect your love. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Christian/Jewish dialogues Tomorrow's Reading Galatians 3:1-29: Paul discusses the relationship between the Law and faith. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 14, 2013 Author Members Posted May 14, 2013 May 14, 2013 Galatians 3:1-29 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Spiritual Renewal Introduction Galatians 3:1-29: Paul continues his discussion of what it means to be saved by faith (see 2:15-21 from yesterday’s reading). He contrasts dependence on obedience to the Law versus a life of faith that is dependent on God’s promises. The chapter concludes with Paul assuring the Galatians that, through faith and by living in union with Christ, we are God’s children and in union with one another. Today’s Scripture: Galatians 3:26 It is through faith that all of you are God’s children in union with Christ Jesus. Today’s Reading 1 You foolish Galatians! Who put a spell on you? Before your very eyes you had a clear description of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross! 2 Tell me this one thing: did you receive God's Spirit by doing what the Law requires or by hearing the gospel and believing it? 3 How can you be so foolish! You began by God's Spirit; do you now want to finish by your own power? 4 Did all your experience mean nothing at all? Surely it meant something! 5 Does God give you the Spirit and work miracles among you because you do what the Law requires or because you hear the gospel and believe it? 6 Consider the experience of Abraham; as the scripture says, “He believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” 7 You should realize, then, that the real descendants of Abraham are the people who have faith. 8 The scripture predicted that God would put the Gentiles right with himself through faith. And so the scripture announced the Good News to Abraham: “Through you God will bless all people.” 9 Abraham believed and was blessed; so all who believe are blessed as he was. 10 Those who depend on obeying the Law live under a curse. For the scripture says, “Whoever does not always obey everything that is written in the book of the Law is under God's curse! ” 11 Now, it is clear that no one is put right with God by means of the Law, because the scripture says, “Only the person who is put right with God through faith shall live.” 12 But the Law has nothing to do with faith. Instead, as the scripture says, “Whoever does everything the Law requires will live. ” 13 But by becoming a curse for us Christ has redeemed us from the curse that the Law brings; for the scripture says, “Anyone who is hanged on a tree is under God's curse.” 14 Christ did this in order that the blessing which God promised to Abraham might be given to the Gentiles by means of Christ Jesus, so that through faith we might receive the Spirit promised by God. 15 My friends, I am going to use an everyday example: when two people agree on a matter and sign an agreement, no one can break it or add anything to it. 16 Now, God made his promises to Abraham and to his descendant. The scripture does not use the plural “descendants,” meaning many people, but the singular “descendant,” meaning one person only, namely, Christ. 17 What I mean is that God made a covenant with Abraham and promised to keep it. The Law, which was given four hundred and thirty years later, cannot break that covenant and cancel God's promise. 18 For if God's gift depends on the Law, then it no longer depends on his promise. However, it was because of his promise that God gave that gift to Abraham. 19 What, then, was the purpose of the Law? It was added in order to show what wrongdoing is, and it was meant to last until the coming of Abraham's descendant, to whom the promise was made. The Law was handed down by angels, with a man acting as a go-between. 20 But a go-between is not needed when only one person is involved; and God is one. 21 Does this mean that the Law is against God's promises? No, not at all! For if human beings had received a law that could bring life, then everyone could be put right with God by obeying it. 22 But the scripture says that the whole world is under the power of sin; and so the gift which is promised on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ is given to those who believe. 23 But before the time for faith came, the Law kept us all locked up as prisoners until this coming faith should be revealed. 24 And so the Law was in charge of us until Christ came, in order that we might then be put right with God through faith. 25 Now that the time for faith is here, the Law is no longer in charge of us. 26 It is through faith that all of you are God's children in union with Christ Jesus. 27 You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself. 28 So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised. Reflect According to Paul, who are the descendants of Abraham (verses 7, 29)? What does Paul say regarding the purpose of the Law (verses 19-25)? In verses 10-13, Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 27:26, Habakkuk 2:4, Leviticus 18:5, and Deuteronomy 21:23, and he says that “Christ has redeemed us from the curse that the Law brings.” What is the blessing that such redemption brings (verse 14)? Pray Lord Jesus, you have redeemed me from the curse that the Law brings by becoming a curse for me. I belong to you and, through faith, I am an heir to God’s promises. Amen. Prayer Concern All who are in union with Christ Jesus Tomorrow's Reading Galatians 4:1-31: Paul continues to express his concern for the Galatians. 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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