Members phkrause Posted June 12, 2013 Author Members Posted June 12, 2013 June 10, 2013 Jeremiah 31:23-40 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Jeremiah 31:23-40: Jeremiah says that God will restore the people of the southern tribes of Judah and bring them home. God promises to make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah, putting the law within them and writing the law on their hearts. Today’s Scripture: Jeremiah 31:34b [The LORD says] “I will forgive their sins and I will no longer remember their wrongs.” Today’s Reading 23 The LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says, “When I restore the people to their land, they will once again say in the land of Judah and in its towns, ‘May the LORD bless the sacred hill of Jerusalem, the holy place where he lives.’ 24 People will live in Judah and in all its towns, and there will be farmers, and shepherds with their flocks. 25 I will refresh those who are weary and will satisfy with food everyone who is weak from hunger. 26 So then, people will say, “I went to sleep and woke up refreshed.” 27 I, the LORD, say that the time is coming when I will fill the land of Israel and Judah with people and animals. 28 And just as I took care to uproot, to pull down, to overthrow, to destroy, and to demolish them, so I will take care to plant them and to build them up. 29 When that time comes, people will no longer say, ‘The parents ate the sour grapes, But the children got the sour taste.’ 30 Instead, those who eat sour grapes will have their own teeth set on edge; and everyone will die because of their own sin. ” 31 The LORD says, “The time is coming when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the old covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. Although I was like a husband to them, they did not keep that covenant. 33 The new covenant that I will make with the people of Israel will be this: I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 None of them will have to teach a neighbor to know the LORD, because all will know me, from the least to the greatest. I will forgive their sins and I will no longer remember their wrongs. I, the LORD, have spoken. ” 35 The LORD provides the sun for light by day, the moon and the stars to shine at night. He stirs up the sea and makes it roar; his name is the LORD Almighty. 36 He promises that as long as the natural order lasts, so long will Israel be a nation. 37 If one day the sky could be measured and the foundations of the earth explored, only then would he reject the people of Israel because of all they have done. The LORD has spoken. 38 “The time is coming,” says the LORD, “when all of Jerusalem will be rebuilt as my city, from Hananel Tower west to the Corner Gate. 39 And the boundary line will continue from there on the west to the hill of Gareb and then around to Goah. 40 The entire valley, where the dead are buried and garbage is dumped, and all the fields above Kidron Brook as far as the Horse Gate to the east, will be sacred to me. The city will never again be torn down or destroyed. ” Reflect Reread verses 31-34.This is the high point of Jeremiah’s message. In God’s new agreement with the people of Israel and Judah, God will write the laws directly on the hearts and minds of the people, and God will forgive their sins. What does having God’s law written on your heart mean to you? Pray Loving and merciful God, thank you for being my God and for your law which is now written on my heart. Open my heart and mind to your Word, that I may live each day in accord with your will. Amen. Prayer Concern Military families Tomorrow's Reading Jeremiah 33:1-26: God promises to restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted June 12, 2013 Author Members Posted June 12, 2013 June 11, 2013 Jeremiah 33:1-26 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Jeremiah 33:1-26: While Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonian army and Jeremiah is imprisoned in King Zedekiah’s palace in Jerusalem, the LORD delivers a message of hope, promising to rebuild Judah and Israel and make them prosperous again. The LORD will also fulfill the promise concerning the Davidic dynasty by choosing a righteous king who will rule with justice. Today’s Scripture: Jeremiah 33:26b [The LORD said] “I will be merciful to my people and make them prosperous again.” Today’s Reading 1 While I was still in prison in the courtyard, the LORD's message came to me again. 2 The LORD, who made the earth, who formed it and set it in place, spoke to me. He whose name is the LORD said, 3 “Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you wonderful and marvelous things that you know nothing about. 4 I, the LORD, the God of Israel, say that the houses of Jerusalem and the royal palace of Judah will be torn down as a result of the siege and the attack. 5 Some will fight against the Babylonians, who will fill the houses with the corpses of those whom I am going to strike down in my anger and fury. I have turned away from this city because of the evil things that its people have done. 6 But I will heal this city and its people and restore them to health. I will show them abundant peace and security. 7 I will make Judah and Israel prosperous, and I will rebuild them as they were before. 8 I will purify them from the sins that they have committed against me, and I will forgive their sins and their rebellion. 9 Jerusalem will be a source of joy, honor, and pride to me; and every nation in the world will fear and tremble when they hear about the good things that I do for the people of Jerusalem and about the prosperity that I bring to the city. ” 10 The LORD said, “People are saying that this place is like a desert, that it has no people or animals living in it. And they are right; the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem are empty; no people or animals live there. But in these places you will hear again 11 the shouts of gladness and joy and the happy sounds of wedding feasts. You will hear people sing as they bring thank offerings to my Temple; they will say, ‘Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, because he is good and his love is eternal.’ 12 The LORD Almighty said, “In this land that is like a desert and where no people or animals live, there will once again be pastures where shepherds can take their sheep. 13 In the towns in the hill country, in the foothills, and in southern Judah, in the territory of Benjamin, in the villages around Jerusalem, and in the towns of Judah, shepherds will once again count their sheep. I, the LORD, have spoken. ” 14 The LORD said, “The time is coming when I will fulfill the promise that I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 At that time I will choose as king a righteous descendant of David. That king will do what is right and just throughout the land. 16 The people of Judah and of Jerusalem will be rescued and will live in safety. The city will be called ‘The LORD Our Salvation. ’ 17 I, the LORD, promise that there will always be a descendant of David to be king of Israel 18 and that there will always be priests from the tribe of Levi to serve me and to offer burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sacrifices. ” 19 The LORD said to me, 20 “I have made a covenant with the day and with the night, so that they always come at their proper times; and that covenant can never be broken. 21 In the same way I have made a covenant with my servant David that he would always have a descendant to be king, and I have made a covenant with the priests from the tribe of Levi that they would always serve me; and those covenants can never be broken. 22 I will increase the number of descendants of my servant David and the number of priests from the tribe of Levi, so that it will be as impossible to count them as it is to count the stars in the sky or the grains of sand on the seashore. ” 23 The LORD said to me, 24 “Have you noticed how people are saying that I have rejected Israel and Judah, the two families that I chose? And so they look with contempt on my people and no longer consider them a nation. 25 But I, the LORD, have a covenant with day and night, and I have made the laws that control earth and sky. 26 And just as surely as I have done this, so I will maintain my covenant with Jacob's descendants and with my servant David. I will choose one of David's descendants to rule over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will be merciful to my people and make them prosperous again. ” Reflect When Jeremiah receives the LORD’s message (c. 588 B.C.), the destruction of Jerusalem is not far off. What aroused God’s anger against the city (verse 5)? What does God promise afterwards (verses 6-13)? What covenant does God promise to maintain? Do any of the verses in today’s reading offer you hope and comfort? Why or why not? Pray God of love and mercy, my hope is in you. Trusting in your promises, I proclaim your everlasting love. You are the God of my salvation. Amen. Prayer Concern Those working to rebuild and restore communities ravaged by war and forces of nature Tomorrow's Reading Lamentations 3:22-58: God’s love and mercy are new and fresh each day. 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 June 12, 2013 Author Members Posted June 12, 2013 June 12, 2013 Lamentations 3:22-58 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Lamentations 3:22-58: The book of Lamentations is a collection of poems lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. and its aftermath of ruin and exile. Today’s reading is from a section of the book that focuses on punishment, repentance, and hope. Today’s Scripture: Lamentations 3:22 The LORD’s unfailing love and mercy still continue, Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. Today’s Reading 22 The LORD's unfailing love and mercy still continue, 23 Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. 24 The LORD is all I have, and so in him I put my hope. 25 The LORD is good to everyone who trusts in him, 26 So it is best for us to wait in patience—to wait for him to save us— 27 And it is best to learn this patience in our youth. 28 When we suffer, we should sit alone in silent patience; 29 We should bow in submission, for there may still be hope. 30 Though beaten and insulted, we should accept it all. 31 The Lord is merciful and will not reject us forever. 32 He may bring us sorrow, but his love for us is sure and strong. 33 He takes no pleasure in causing us grief or pain. 34 The Lord knows when our spirits are crushed in prison; 35 He knows when we are denied the rights he gave us; 36 When justice is perverted in court, he knows. 37 The will of the Lord alone is always carried out. 38 Good and evil alike take place at his command. 39 Why should we ever complain when we are punished for our sin? 40 Let us examine our ways and turn back to the LORD. 41 Let us open our hearts to God in heaven and pray, 42 “We have sinned and rebelled, and you, O LORD, have not forgiven us. 43 You pursued us and killed us; your mercy was hidden by your anger, 44 By a cloud of fury too thick for our prayers to get through. 45 You have made us the garbage dump of the world. 46 We are insulted and mocked by all our enemies. 47 We have been through disaster and ruin; we live in danger and fear. 48 My eyes flow with rivers of tears at the destruction of my people. 49 My tears will pour out in a ceaseless stream 50 Until the LORD looks down from heaven and sees us. 51 My heart is grieved when I see what has happened to the women of the city. 52 I was trapped like a bird by enemies who had no cause to hate me. 53 They threw me alive into a pit and closed the opening with a stone. 54 Water began to close over me, and I thought death was near. 55 From the bottom of the pit, O LORD, I cried out to you, 56 And when I begged you to listen to my cry, you heard. 57 You answered me and told me not to be afraid. 58 You came to my rescue, Lord, and saved my life. Reflect Imagine yourself as the author of today’s reading – one who is living in exile after witnessing the devastating destruction of the city and its place of worship. What emotions are being expressed? What are your thoughts as you read these verses? Are any of the verses especially meaningful to you? Do any of the verses offer comfort? What verses speak of hope? Pray Lord God, thank you for your tender mercies that are new and fresh each morning. You assure me with your unfailing love, and I trust in your everlasting goodness. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who feel hopeless Tomorrow's Reading Hosea 1:1—2:1: The prophet Hosea is told to marry an unfaithful woman. 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 June 18, 2013 Author Members Posted June 18, 2013 June 13, 2013 Hosea 1:1—2:1 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hosea 1:1—2:1: Today we will begin reading from the book of the prophet Hosea, a book of fourteen chapters which we will be reading over a period of thirteen days. The prophet’s name is a shortened version of the Hebrew “Hoshaiah,” which means “the LORD has saved.” Hosea preached in the northern kingdom of Israel (c. 740-722 B.C.) and was concerned about the idolatry of the people and their faithlessness toward God. In today’s reading, Hosea is told to marry an unfaithful woman to demonstrate how unfaithful Israel has been and to give his children names that are to be reminders of Israel’s forthcoming punishment. The reading concludes with Hosea foreseeing a time when God will restore Israel and Judah and bring them together under one leader. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 1:10b The day is coming when he will say to them, “You are the children of the living God!” Today’s Reading 1 This is the message which the LORD gave Hosea son of Beeri during the time that Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah, and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel. 2 When the LORD first spoke to Israel through Hosea, he said to Hosea, “Go and get married; your wife will be unfaithful, and your children will be just like her. In the same way my people have left me and become unfaithful. ” 3 So Hosea married a woman named Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim. After the birth of their first child, a son, 4 the LORD said to Hosea, “Name him “Jezreel,” because it will not be long before I punish the king of Israel for the murders that his ancestor Jehu committed at Jezreel. I am going to put an end to Jehu's dynasty. 5 And in Jezreel Valley I will at that time destroy Israel's military power. ” 6 Gomer had a second child—this time it was a daughter. The LORD said to Hosea, “Name her “Unloved,” because I will no longer show love to the people of Israel or forgive them. 7 But to the people of Judah I will show love. I, the LORD their God, will save them, but I will not do it by war—with swords or bows and arrows or with horses and horsemen. ” 8 After Gomer had weaned her daughter, she became pregnant again and had another son. 9 The LORD said to Hosea, “Name him “Not-My-People,” because the people of Israel are not my people, and I am not their God. ” 10 The people of Israel will become like the sand of the sea, more than can be counted or measured. Now God says to them, “You are not my people,” but the day is coming when he will say to them, “You are the children of the living God!” 11 The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited. They will choose for themselves a single leader, and once again they will grow and prosper in their land. Yes, the day of Jezreel will be a great day! 1 So call your fellow Israelites “God's People” and “Loved-by-the-Lord.” Reflect Why is Hosea told to marry an unfaithful woman? How does his marriage to Gomer demonstrate God’s relationship with the people of Israel? What is the significance of the names of Hosea’s children? What message of hope is given in today’s reading? Pray Merciful God, forgive me whenever I act in ways that demonstrate unfaithfulness to you. Draw me close to you, and restore me to a right relationship with you. You continue to love me, and I thank and praise you for your steadfast goodness and faithfulness. Amen. Prayer Concern Marriage counselors Tomorrow's Reading Hosea 2:2-23: The LORD will punish Israel and then restore the land and make the people prosperous. 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 June 18, 2013 Author Members Posted June 18, 2013 June 14, 2013 Hosea 2:2-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hosea 2:2-23: Israel’s unfaithfulness to the LORD is compared to that of an unfaithful wife. In Hosea’s time, many of the people were honoring the Canaanite god Baal because they believed Baal fertilized the earth with rain. The chapter concludes with the LORD’s declaration of love for Israel and a promise to make the people prosperous. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 2:23b I will say, “You are my people,” and they will answer, “You are our God.” Today’s Reading 2 My children, plead with your mother—though she is no longer a wife to me, and I am no longer her husband. Plead with her to stop her adultery and prostitution. 3 If she does not, I will strip her as naked as she was on the day she was born. I will make her like a dry and barren land, and she will die of thirst. 4-5 I will not show mercy to her children; they are the children of a shameless prostitute. She herself said, “I will go to my lovers—they give me food and water, wool and linen, olive oil and wine.” 6 So I am going to fence her in with thorn bushes and build a wall to block her way. 7 She will run after her lovers but will not catch them. She will look for them but will not find them. Then she will say, “I am going back to my first husband—I was better off then than I am now.” 8 She would never acknowledge that I am the one who gave her the grain, the wine, the olive oil, and all the silver and gold that she used in the worship of Baal. 9 So at harvest time I will take back my gifts of grain and wine, and will take away the wool and the linen I gave her for clothing. 10 I will strip her naked in front of her lovers, and no one will be able to save her from my power. 11 I will put an end to all her festivities—her annual and monthly festivals and her Sabbath celebrations—all her religious meetings. 12 I will destroy her grapevines and her fig trees, which she said her lovers gave her for serving them. I will turn her vineyards and orchards into a wilderness; wild animals will destroy them. 13 I will punish her for the times that she forgot me, when she burned incense to Baal and put on her jewelry to go chasing after her lovers. The LORD has spoken. 14 So I am going to take her into the desert again; there I will win her back with words of love. 15 I will give back to her the vineyards she had and make Trouble Valley a door of hope. She will respond to me there as she did when she was young, when she came from Egypt. 16 Then once again she will call me her husband—she will no longer call me her Baal. 17 I will never let her speak the name of Baal again. 18 At that time I will make a covenant with all the wild animals and birds, so that they will not harm my people. I will also remove all weapons of war from the land, all swords and bows, and will let my people live in peace and safety. 19 Israel, I will make you my wife; I will be true and faithful; I will show you constant love and mercy and make you mine forever. 20 I will keep my promise and make you mine, and you will acknowledge me as LORD. 21-22 At that time I will answer the prayers of my people Israel. I will make rain fall on the earth, and the earth will produce grain and grapes and olives. 23 I will establish my people in the land and make them prosper. I will show love to those who were called “Unloved,” and to those who were called “Not-My-People” I will say, “You are my people,” and they will answer, “You are our God.” Reflect Why is Israel to be punished? How is this punishment described? The LORD’s harsh words of punishment are balanced by the LORD’s promise to help Israel in the future (verses 14-23). What does this hopeful future look like? Pray Lord God, you are faithful and true. You alone are my God, and I acknowledge you as Lord of my life. Draw me close to you and teach me your ways. Amen. Prayer Concern Couples seeking to be reconciled Tomorrow's Reading Hosea 3:1—4:10: Hosea is told to love his unfaithful wife. 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 June 18, 2013 Author Members Posted June 18, 2013 June 15, 2013 Hosea 3:1—4:10 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hosea 3:1—4:10: Hosea is told to love his unfaithful wife, and his love for her is to demonstrate the LORD’s continuing love for unfaithful Israel. Accusations against Israel and its priests are cited. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 3:5 The time will come when the people of Israel will once again turn to the LORD their God and to a descendant of David their king. Then they will fear the LORD and will receive his good gifts. Today’s Reading 1 The LORD said to me, “Go again and show your love for a woman who is committing adultery with a lover. You must love her just as I still love the people of Israel, even though they turn to other gods and like to take offerings of raisins to idols. ” 2 So I paid fifteen pieces of silver and seven bushels of barley to buy her. 3 I told her that for a long time she would have to wait for me without being a prostitute or committing adultery; and during this time I would wait for her. 4 In just this way the people of Israel will have to live for a long time without kings or leaders, without sacrifices or sacred stone pillars, without idols or images to use for divination. 5 But the time will come when the people of Israel will once again turn to the LORD their God and to a descendant of David their king. Then they will fear the LORD and will receive his good gifts. 1 The LORD has an accusation to bring against the people who live in this land. Listen, Israel, to what he says: “There is no faithfulness or love in the land, and the people do not acknowledge me as God. 2 They make promises and break them; they lie, murder, steal, and commit adultery. Crimes increase, and there is one murder after another. 3 And so the land will dry up, and everything that lives on it will die. All the animals and birds, and even the fish, will die. ” 4 The LORD says, “Let no one accuse the people or reprimand them—my complaint is against you priests. 5 Night and day you blunder on, and the prophets do no better than you. I am going to destroy Israel, your mother. 6 My people are doomed because they do not acknowledge me. You priests have refused to acknowledge me and have rejected my teaching, and so I reject you and will not acknowledge your sons as my priests. 7 The more of you priests there are, the more you sin against me, and so I will turn your honor into disgrace. 8 You grow rich from the sins of my people, and so you want them to sin more and more. 9 You will suffer the same punishment as the people! I will punish you and make you pay for the evil you do. 10 You will eat your share of the sacrifices, but still be hungry. You will worship the fertility gods, but still have no children, because you have turned away from me to follow other gods. ” Reflect Reread 3:1-5. What words of hope are offered? What promise is given? What accusations are cited in 4:1-10? What punishments will be meted out? What does today’s reading teach you about God? Pray God of truth, you alone are my God and I worship you. Help me not to be led astray by false teachings, and guide me in the way of your truth. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are being led astray by false teachings Tomorrow's Reading Hosea 4:11—5:15: The LORD condemns pagan worship. 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 June 18, 2013 Author Members Posted June 18, 2013 June 16, 2013 Hosea 4:11—5:15 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hosea 4:11—5:15: The LORD condemns Israel’s pagan worship practices and idolatry, and the people are to be punished for their sinfulness. Today’s reading concludes with a claim that the people will seek the LORD after they have suffered enough. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 5:4a The evil that the people have done keeps them from returning to their God. Today’s Reading 11 The LORD says, “Wine, both old and new, is robbing my people of their senses! 12 They ask for revelations from a piece of wood! A stick tells them what they want to know! They have left me. Like a woman who becomes a prostitute, they have given themselves to other gods. 13 At sacred places on the mountaintops they offer sacrifices, and on the hills they burn incense under tall, spreading trees, because the shade is so pleasant! As a result, your daughters serve as prostitutes, and your daughters-in-law commit adultery. 14 Yet I will not punish them for this, because you yourselves go off with temple prostitutes, and together with them you offer pagan sacrifices. As the proverb says, “A people without sense will be ruined.” 15 Even though you people of Israel are unfaithful to me, may Judah not be guilty of the same thing. Don't worship at Gilgal or Bethaven, or make promises there in the name of the living LORD. 16 The people of Israel are as stubborn as mules. How can I feed them like lambs in a meadow? 17 The people of Israel are under the spell of idols. Let them go their own way. 18 After drinking much wine, they delight in their prostitution, preferring disgrace to honor. 19 They will be carried away as by the wind, and they will be ashamed of their pagan sacrifices. 1 Listen to this, you priests! Pay attention, people of Israel! Listen, you that belong to the royal family! You are supposed to judge with justice—so judgment will fall on you! You have become a trap at Mizpah, a net spread on Mount Tabor, 2 a deep pit at Acacia City, and I will punish all of you. 3 I know what Israel is like—she cannot hide from me. She has been unfaithful, and her people are unfit to worship me. ” 4 The evil that the people have done keeps them from returning to their God. Idolatry has a powerful hold on them, and they do not acknowledge the LORD. 5 The arrogance of the people of Israel cries out against them. Their sins make them stumble and fall, and the people of Judah fall with them. 6 They take their sheep and cattle to offer as sacrifices to the LORD, but it does them no good. They cannot find him, for he has left them. 7 They have been unfaithful to the LORD; their children do not belong to him. So now they and their lands will soon be destroyed. 8 Blow the war trumpets in Gibeah! Sound the alarm in Ramah! Raise the war cry at Bethaven! Into battle, men of Benjamin! 9 The day of punishment is coming, and Israel will be ruined. People of Israel, this will surely happen! 10 The LORD says, “I am angry because the leaders of Judah have invaded Israel and stolen land from her. So I will pour out punishment on them like a flood. 11 Israel is suffering oppression; she has lost land that was rightfully hers, because she insisted on going for help to those who had none to give. 12 I will bring destruction on Israel and ruin on the people of Judah. 13 When Israel saw how sick she was and when Judah saw her own wounds, then Israel went to Assyria to ask the great emperor for help, but he could not cure them or heal their wounds. 14 I will attack the people of Israel and Judah like a lion. I myself will tear them to pieces and then leave them. When I drag them off, no one will be able to save them. 15 “I will abandon my people until they have suffered enough for their sins and come looking for me. Perhaps in their suffering they will try to find me.” Reflect Today’s reading includes a reference to temple prostitutes (4:14). These women were found in Canaanite temples where fertility gods were worshiped. It was believed that intercourse with these prostitutes assured fertile fields and herds. What will happen to those who engage in this ritual (4:17-19)? Reread 5:15. What will it take for the people to be restored to God? Pray Lord God, there are times when I feel abandoned by or separated from you because of my sinfulness. Teach me to acknowledge my sinful ways and confess my sins to you so that I may be restored to a right relationship with you. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who find it difficult to acknowledge their sinfulness and return to the Lord. Tomorrow's Reading Hosea 6:1—7:2: The people’s repentance is insincere. 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 June 18, 2013 Author Members Posted June 18, 2013 June 17, 2013 Hosea 6:1—7:2 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hosea 6:1—7:2: The LORD expects fidelity, but the people’s love for the LORD vanishes like early morning dew. The LORD’s message is one of judgment and destruction because of the evil deeds of the people. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 6:6 [The LORD says], “I want your constant love, not your animal sacrifices. I would rather have my people know me than burn offerings to me.” Today’s Reading 1 The people say, Let's return to the LORD! He has hurt us, but he will be sure to heal us; he has wounded us, but he will bandage our wounds, won't he? 2 In two or three days he will revive us, and we will live in his presence. 3 Let us try to know the LORD. He will come to us as surely as the day dawns, as surely as the spring rains fall upon the earth. ” 4 But the LORD says, “Israel and Judah, what am I going to do with you? Your love for me disappears as quickly as morning mist; it is like dew, that vanishes early in the day. 5 That is why I have sent my prophets to you with my message of judgment and destruction. What I want from you is plain and clear: 6 I want your constant love, not your animal sacrifices. I would rather have my people know me than burn offerings to me. 7 But as soon as they entered the land at Adam, they broke the covenant I had made with them. 8 Gilead is a city full of evil people and murderers. 9 The priests are like a gang of robbers who wait in ambush for someone. Even on the road to the holy place at Shechem they commit murder. And they do all this evil deliberately! 10 I have seen a horrible thing in Israel: my people have defiled themselves by worshiping idols. 11 And as for you, people of Judah, I have set a time to punish you also for what you are doing. 1 Whenever I want to heal my people Israel and make them prosperous again, all I can see is their wickedness and the evil they do. They cheat one another; they break into houses and steal; they rob people in the streets. 2 It never enters their heads that I will remember all this evil; but their sins surround them, and I cannot avoid seeing them. ” Reflect What do the people say they will do (6:1-3)? How does the LORD respond (6:4-6)? What evil acts are cited in 6:7-10? What prevents the LORD from helping Israel (7:1-2)? What does God expect of you? Pray Dear God, you see deep into my heart and know my every thought. Cleanse me of any evil that is lurking within my heart and mind. Draw me close to you so that I may live in the presence of your everlasting love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those whose faith is weak Tomorrow's Reading Hosea 7:3-16: The people are to be punished because of their sinfulness. 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 June 18, 2013 Author Members Posted June 18, 2013 June 18, 2013 Hosea 7:3-16 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hosea 7:3-16: Today’s reading includes harsh words because of the people’s evil deeds. The people have rebelled against God and will be punished. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 7:13b [The LORD says], “I wanted to save them, but their worship of me was false.” Today’s Reading 3 The LORD says, “People deceive the king and his officers by their evil plots. 4 They are all treacherous and disloyal. Their hatred smolders like the fire in an oven, which is not stirred by the baker until the dough is ready to bake. 5 On the day of the king's celebration they made the king and his officials drunk and foolish with wine. 6 Yes, they burned like an oven with their plotting. All night their anger smoldered, and in the morning it burst into flames. 7 “In the heat of their anger they murdered their rulers. Their kings have been assassinated one after another, but no one prays to me for help.” 8 The LORD says, The people of Israel are like a half-baked loaf of bread. They rely on the nations around them 9 and do not realize that this reliance on foreigners has robbed them of their strength. Their days are numbered, but they don't even know it. 10 The arrogance of the people of Israel cries out against them. In spite of everything that has happened, they have not returned to me, the LORD their God. 11 Israel flits around like a silly pigeon; first her people call on Egypt for help, and then they run to Assyria! 12 But I will spread out a net and catch them like birds as they go by. I will punish them for the evil they have done. 13 They are doomed! They have left me and rebelled against me. They will be destroyed. I wanted to save them, but their worship of me was false. 14 They have not prayed to me sincerely, but instead they throw themselves down and wail as the heathen do. When they pray for grain and wine, they gash themselves like pagans. What rebels they are! 15 Even though I was the one who brought them up and made them strong, they plotted against me. 16 They keep on turning away from me to a god that is powerless. They are as unreliable as a crooked bow. Because their leaders talk arrogantly, they will die a violent death, and the Egyptians will laugh. ” Reflect Why are the people described as being “like a half-baked loaf of bread” (verse 8) or “like a silly pigeon”? How are the people to be punished? Pray Holy God, you are the one true God and the God of my salvation. Keep me strong in faith and in the secure knowledge of your love and mercy. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who worship false gods Tomorrow's Reading Hosea 8:1-14: The people continue to reject God. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted June 19, 2013 Author Members Posted June 19, 2013 June 19, 2013 Hosea 8:1-14 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hosea 8:1-14: Today’s reading includes more harsh words for the people of Israel because of their sinfulness. They have rejected God and embraced idol worship for which they will be punished. Israel’s leaders have built palaces and Judah’s leaders have built fortified cities because they no longer trusted the LORD to protect them. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 8:1b [The LORD says], “My people have broken the covenant I made with them and have rebelled against my teaching.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD says, “Sound the alarm! Enemies are swooping down on my land like eagles! My people have broken the covenant I made with them and have rebelled against my teaching. 2 Even though they call me their God and claim that they are my people and that they know me, 3 they have rejected what is good. Because of this their enemies will pursue them. 4 My people chose kings, but they did it on their own. They appointed leaders, but without my approval. They took their silver and gold and made idols—for their own destruction. 5 I hate the gold bull worshiped by the people of the city of Samaria. I am furious with them. How long will it be before they give up their idolatry? 6 An Israelite craftsman made the idol, and it is not a god at all! The gold bull worshiped in Samaria will be smashed to pieces! 7 When they sow the wind, they will reap a storm! A field of grain that doesn't ripen can never produce any bread. But even if it did, foreigners would eat it up. 8 Israel has become like any other nation and is as useless as a broken pot. 9 Stubborn as wild donkeys, the people of Israel go their own way. They have gone off to seek help from Assyria and have paid other nations to protect them. 10 But now I am going to gather them together and punish them. Soon they will writhe in pain when the emperor of Assyria oppresses them. 11 The more altars the people of Israel build for removing sin, the more places they have for sinning! 12 I write down countless teachings for the people, but they reject them as strange and foreign. 13 They offer sacrifices to me and eat the meat of the sacrifices. But I, the LORD, am not pleased with them, and now I will remember their sin and punish them for it; I will send them back to Egypt! 14 “The people of Israel have built palaces, but they have forgotten their own Maker. The people of Judah have built fortified cities. But I will send fire that will burn down their palaces and their cities.” Reflect Why are the people referred to as “wild donkeys” (verse 9)? What sins have they committed? What punishments will God inflict on them? What will happen to the palaces and cities that the nation’s leaders have built (verse 14)? Pray Holy God, may I never turn away from you. Whenever I am tempted to stray from your teachings, remind me of your everlasting covenant and lead me back to you. Thank you for the safety of your love and care. Amen. Prayer Concern People who are being deported Tomorrow's Reading Hosea 9:1-16: Hosea announces punishment for Israel. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted June 20, 2013 Author Members Posted June 20, 2013 June 20, 2013 Hosea 9:1-16 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hosea 9:1-16: Today’s reading begins with Hosea’s speech in which he foretells of Israel’s punishment. The LORD’s judgment and the consequences for the people’s sinfulness are described. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 9:1b You have turned away from your God and have been unfaithful to him. Today’s Reading 1 People of Israel, stop celebrating your festivals like pagans. You have turned away from your God and have been unfaithful to him. All over the land you have sold yourselves like prostitutes to the god Baal and have loved the grain you thought he paid you with! 2 But soon you will not have enough grain and olive oil, and there will be no wine. 3 The people of Israel will not remain in the LORD's land, but will have to go back to Egypt and will have to eat forbidden food in Assyria. 4 In those foreign lands they will not be able to make wine offerings to the LORD or bring their sacrifices to him. Their food will defile everyone who eats it, like food eaten at funerals. It will be used only to satisfy their hunger; none of it will be taken as an offering to the LORD's Temple. 5 And when the time comes for the appointed festivals in honor of the LORD, what will they do then? 6 When the disaster comes and the people are scattered, the Egyptians will gather them up—gather them for burial there at Memphis! Their treasures of silver and the places where their homes once stood will be overgrown with weeds and thorn bushes. 7 The time for punishment has come, the time when people will get what they deserve. When that happens, Israel will know it! “This prophet,” you say, “is a fool. This inspired man is insane.” You people hate me so much because your sin is so great. 8 God has sent me as a prophet to warn his people Israel. Yet wherever I go, you try to trap me like a bird. Even in God's Temple the people are the prophet's enemies. 9 They are hopelessly evil in what they do, just as they were at Gibeah. God will remember their sin and punish them for it. 10 The LORD says, When I first found Israel, it was like finding grapes growing in the desert. When I first saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the first ripe figs of the season. But when they came to Mount Peor, they began to worship Baal and soon became as disgusting as the gods they loved. 11 Israel's greatness will fly away like a bird, and there will be no more children born to them, no more women pregnant, no more children conceived. 12 But even if they did bring up children, I would take them away and not leave one alive. When I abandon these people, terrible things will happen to them. ” 13 LORD, I can see their children being hunted down and killed. 14 What shall I ask you to do to these people? Make their women barren! Make them unable to nurse their babies! 15 The LORD says, “All their evildoing began in Gilgal. It was there that I began to hate them. And because of the evil they have done, I will drive them out of my land. I will not love them any more; all their leaders have rebelled against me. 16 The people of Israel are like a plant whose roots have dried up and which bears no fruit. They will have no children, but even if they did, I would kill the children so dear to them. ” Reflect In what ways have the people demonstrated their unfaithfulness to God? What warnings does Hosea give? Reread verses 10-16. The people are compared to “grapes growing in the desert.” How is God’s relationship with Israel described? What past actions are recalled? What does Hosea ask the LORD to do (verse 14)? What does the LORD threaten to do (verses 15-16)? Pray Lord God, keep me faithful to you. I promise to serve you. Order my steps this day so that all I do and say reflect your love and mercy. Amen. Prayer Concern Couples unable to conceive a child Tomorrow's Reading Hosea 9:17—10:15: Hosea declares that God will reject his people because of their failure to listen. 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 June 22, 2013 Author Members Posted June 22, 2013 June 21, 2013 Hosea 9:17—10:15 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hosea 9:17—10:15: Hosea describes the consequences of the people’s sinfulness, and the LORD pronounces judgment on the people. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 9:17a The God I serve will reject his people, because they have not listened to him. Today’s Reading 17 The God I serve will reject his people, because they have not listened to him. They will become wanderers among the nations. 1 The people of Israel were like a grapevine that was full of grapes. The more prosperous they were, the more altars they built. The more productive their land was, the more beautiful they made the sacred stone pillars they worship. 2 The people whose hearts are deceitful must now suffer for their sins. God will break down their altars and destroy their sacred pillars. 3 These people will soon be saying, “We have no king because we did not fear the LORD. But what could a king do for us anyway? ” 4 They utter empty words and make false promises and useless treaties. Justice has become injustice, growing like poisonous weeds in a plowed field. 5 The people who live in the city of Samaria will be afraid and will mourn the loss of the gold bull at Bethaven. They and the priests who serve the idol will weep over it. They will wail when it is stripped of its golden splendor. 6 The idol will be carried off to Assyria as tribute to the great emperor. The people of Israel will be disgraced and put to shame because of the advice they followed. 7 Their king will be carried off, like a chip of wood on water. 8 The hilltop shrines of Aven, where the people of Israel worship idols, will be destroyed. Thorns and weeds will grow up over their altars. The people will call out to the mountains, “Hide us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!” 9 The LORD says, “The people of Israel have not stopped sinning against me since the time of their sin at Gibeah. So at Gibeah war will catch up with them. 10 I will attack this sinful people and punish them. Nations will join together against them, and they will be punished for their many sins. 11 Israel was once like a well-trained young cow, ready and willing to thresh grain. But I decided to put a yoke on her beautiful neck and to harness her for harder work. I made Judah pull the plow and Israel pull the harrow. 12 I said, ‘Plow new ground for yourselves, plant righteousness, and reap the blessings that your devotion to me will produce. It is time for you to turn to me, your LORD, and I will come and pour out blessings upon you. ’ 13 But instead you planted evil and reaped its harvest. You have eaten the fruit produced by your lies. Because you trusted in your chariots and in the large number of your soldiers, 14 war will come to your people, and all your fortresses will be destroyed. It will be like the day when King Shalman destroyed the city of Betharbel in battle, and mothers and their children were crushed to death. 15 That is what will happen to you, people of Bethel, because of the terrible evil that you have done. As soon as the battle begins, the king of Israel will die. ” Reflect Reread verses 11-15. The metaphor of a well-trained young cow is used to emphasize the people’s responsibility to be devoted to the LORD. If they had remained faithful, what would they have received? In what did the people place their trust? What will be the consequences of their unfaithfulness? Pray Holy God, open my heart and mind to hear your voice and listen to you. Teach me to be obedient to your Word and keep me close in the safety of your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Nations suffering from war and civil strife Tomorrow's Reading Hosea 11:1-11: God’s love for the people is expressed. 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 June 22, 2013 Author Members Posted June 22, 2013 June 22, 2013 Hosea 11:1-11 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hosea 11:1-11: God’s love for Israel is compared to a parent’s love for a child. A time of exile is predicted prior to the people being reconciled to God. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 11:9b “I, the Holy One, am with you. I will not come to you in anger.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD says, “When Israel was a child, I loved him and called him out of Egypt as my son. 2 But the more I called to him, the more he turned away from me. My people sacrificed to Baal; they burned incense to idols. 3 Yet I was the one who taught Israel to walk. I took my people up in my arms, but they did not acknowledge that I took care of them. 4 I drew them to me with affection and love. I picked them up and held them to my cheek; I bent down to them and fed them. 5 They refuse to return to me, and so they must return to Egypt, and Assyria will rule them. 6 War will sweep through their cities and break down the city gates. It will destroy my people because they do what they themselves think best. 7 They insist on turning away from me. They will cry out because of the yoke that is on them, but no one will lift it from them. 8 How can I give you up, Israel? How can I abandon you? Could I ever destroy you as I did Admah, or treat you as I did Zeboiim? My heart will not let me do it! My love for you is too strong. 9 I will not punish you in my anger; I will not destroy Israel again. For I am God and not a mere human being. I, the Holy One, am with you. I will not come to you in anger. 10 My people will follow me when I roar like a lion at their enemies. They will hurry to me from the west. 11 They will come from Egypt, as swiftly as birds, and from Assyria, like doves. I will bring them to their homes again. I, the LORD, have spoken. ” Reflect What verses in today’s reading speak of God’s compassion? In what ways does God express love for the people, even though they were rebellious? In what ways have you experienced God’s love? Pray Loving God, like a parent you want the best from me. You love me even when I make mistakes and stray from your teachings. Help me as I mature in faith so that I may become the person you call me to be. Amen. Prayer Concern Parents and children Tomorrow's Reading Hosea 11:12—12:14: Israel and Judah are condemned. 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 June 24, 2013 Author Members Posted June 24, 2013 June 23, 2013 Hosea 11:12—12:14 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hosea 11:12—12:14: Hosea recounts Israel’s early history and urges the people to return to God. He also declares that the people will be punished because of the disgrace they brought on the Lord. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 12:6b Trust in your God and return to him. Be loyal and just, and wait patiently for your God to act. Today’s Reading 12 The LORD says, “The people of Israel have surrounded me with lies and deceit, and the people of Judah are still rebelling against me, the faithful and holy God. 1 Everything that the people of Israel do from morning to night is useless and destructive. Treachery and acts of violence increase among them. They make treaties with Assyria and do business with Egypt. ” 2 The LORD has an accusation to bring against the people of Judah; he is also going to punish Israel for the way her people act. He will pay them back for what they have done. 3 Their ancestor Jacob struggled with his twin brother Esau while the two of them were still in their mother's womb; when Jacob grew up, he fought against God— 4 he fought against an angel and won. He wept and asked for a blessing. And at Bethel God came to our ancestor Jacob and spoke with him. 5 This was the LORD God Almighty—the LORD is the name by which he is to be worshiped. 6 So now, descendants of Jacob, trust in your God and return to him. Be loyal and just, and wait patiently for your God to act. 7 The LORD says, “The people of Israel are as dishonest as the Canaanites; they love to cheat their customers with false scales. 8 “We are rich,” they say. “We've made a fortune. And no one can accuse us of getting rich dishonestly.” 9 But I, the LORD your God who led you out of Egypt, I will make you live in tents again, as you did when I came to you in the desert. 10 I spoke to the prophets and gave them many visions, and through the prophets I gave my people warnings. 11 Yet idols are worshiped in Gilead, and those who worship them will die. Bulls are sacrificed in Gilgal, and the altars there will become piles of stone in the open fields. ” 12 Our ancestor Jacob had to flee to Mesopotamia, where, in order to get a wife, he worked for another man and took care of his sheep. 13 The LORD sent a prophet to rescue the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt and to take care of them. 14 The people of Israel have made the LORD bitterly angry; they deserve death for their crimes. Their Lord will punish them for the disgrace they have brought on him. Reflect In what ways have the people been dishonest and unjust? Throughout Israel’s history, what has been the role of the prophets (verse 10)? Are there prophetic voices among us today? Pray Righteous God, you send prophets among us to speak your voice. Teach us to heed your warnings and hear your call to return to you and follow your ways. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Victims of injustice Tomorrow's Reading Hosea 13:1-16: More words of judgment are declared. 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 June 25, 2013 Author Members Posted June 25, 2013 June 24, 2013 Hosea 13:1-16 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hosea 13:1-16: Today’s reading includes final words of judgment because of the people’s sinfulness. The people are reminded of being delivered from bondage in Egypt but that they turned away from God. The chapter concludes with the declaration of harsh punishments. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 13:4 The LORD says, “I am the LORD your God, who led you out of Egypt. You have no God but me. I alone am your savior.” Today’s Reading 1 In the past, when the tribe of Ephraim spoke, the other tribes of Israel were afraid; they looked up to Ephraim. But the people sinned by worshiping Baal, and for this they will die. 2 They still keep on sinning by making metal images to worship—idols of silver, designed by human minds, made by human hands. And then they say, “Offer sacrifices to them!” How can anyone kiss those idols—idols in the shape of bulls! 3 And so these people will disappear like morning mist, like the dew that vanishes early in the day. They will be like chaff which the wind blows from the threshing place, like smoke from a chimney. 4 The LORD says, “I am the LORD your God, who led you out of Egypt. You have no God but me. I alone am your savior. 5 I took care of you in a dry, desert land. 6 But when you entered the good land, you became full and satisfied, and then you grew proud and forgot me. 7 So I will attack you like a lion. Like a leopard I will lie in wait along your path. 8 I will attack you like a bear that has lost her cubs, and I will tear you open. Like a lion I will devour you on the spot, and will tear you to pieces like a wild animal. 9 I will destroy you, people of Israel! Then who can help you? 10 You asked for a king and for leaders, but how can they save the nation? 11 In my anger I have given you kings, and in my fury I have taken them away. 12 Israel's sin and guilt are on record, and the records are safely stored away. 13 Israel has a chance to live, but is too foolish to take it—like a child about to be born, who refuses to come out of the womb. 14 I will not save this people from the world of the dead or rescue them from the power of death. Bring on your plagues, death! Bring on your destruction, world of the dead! I will no longer have pity for this people. 15 Even though Israel flourishes like weeds, I will send a hot east wind from the desert, and it will dry up their springs and wells. It will take away everything of value. 16 Samaria must be punished for rebelling against me. Her people will die in war; babies will be dashed to the ground, and pregnant women will be ripped open. ” Reflect What did the people forget about God after they had been led out of Egypt and entered a new land? What will God now do? What verses reflect God’s anger? What are your thoughts as you read these verses? Reread verse 13. Why is Israel described as being too foolish to take its chance to live? Have you ever experienced a time when you turned down an opportunity even though it would have been for something beneficial? Pray Kind and merciful God, you alone are my savior. You have rescued me from bondage to sin and death. May my words and deeds reflect my love for you. I thank and praise you for the blessing of your grace. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who refuse to obey God Tomorrow's Reading Hosea 14:1-9: Hosea urges the people to return to the LORD. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted June 26, 2013 Author Members Posted June 26, 2013 June 25, 2013 Hosea 14:1-9 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Hosea 14:1-9: This final chapter of Hosea begins with the prophet calling the people of Israel to turn away from sin and return to the LORD. The chapter concludes with the LORD’s promise to heal and love Israel, followed by an exhortation to understand God’s righteousness. Today’s Scripture: Hosea 14:9b The LORD’s ways are right, and righteous people live by following them, but sinners stumble and fall because they ignore them. Today’s Reading 1 Return to the LORD your God, people of Israel. Your sin has made you stumble and fall. 2 Return to the LORD, and let this prayer be your offering to him: “Forgive all our sins and accept our prayer, and we will praise you as we have promised. 3 Assyria can never save us, and war horses cannot protect us. We will never again say to our idols that they are our God. O LORD, you show mercy to those who have no one else to turn to. ” 4 The LORD says, “I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart; no longer am I angry with them. 5 I will be to the people of Israel like rain in a dry land. They will blossom like flowers; they will be firmly rooted like the trees of Lebanon. 6 They will be alive with new growth, and beautiful like olive trees. They will be fragrant like the cedars of Lebanon. 7 Once again they will live under my protection. They will grow crops of grain and be fruitful like a vineyard. They will be as famous as the wine of Lebanon. 8 The people of Israel will have nothing more to do with idols; I will answer their prayers and take care of them. Like an evergreen tree I will shelter them; I am the source of all their blessings.” 9 May those who are wise understand what is written here, and may they take it to heart. The LORD's ways are right, and righteous people live by following them, but sinners stumble and fall because they ignore them. Reflect Reread verses 5-8. What images are used to describe the LORD’s love? What does the phrase “return to the LORD” mean to you? Verse 9 reads like a proverb. Having now read the entire book of Hosea, what are your thoughts as you read this concluding verse? What have you learned about the ways of God? Pray Lord God, your ways are indeed right. Help me to follow your ways so that I may grow wise in the knowledge of your teachings. Shelter me in the safety of your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are seeking God’s forgiveness Tomorrow's Reading Jonah 1:1-17: God calls the prophet Jonah and tells him to bring a message to the people of Nineveh. 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 June 26, 2013 Author Members Posted June 26, 2013 June 26, 2013 Jonah 1:1-17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Jonah 1:1-17: Today we will begin reading from the book of Jonah, a narrative that describes the adventures of a prophet who tried to disobey God’s command. In today’s reading, God commands Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, Israel’s deadly enemy, to tell its people they are doomed. Jonah, however, disobeys God and boards a ship bound for Spain. A storm ensues, and Jonah is thrown overboard and swallowed by a large fish. Today’s Scripture: Jonah 1:9b “I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made land and sea.” Today’s Reading 1 One day the LORD spoke to Jonah son of Amittai. 2 He said, “Go to Nineveh, that great city, and speak out against it; I am aware of how wicked its people are.” 3 Jonah, however, set out in the opposite direction in order to get away from the LORD. He went to Joppa, where he found a ship about to go to Spain. He paid his fare and went aboard with the crew to sail to Spain, where he would be away from the LORD. 4 But the LORD sent a strong wind on the sea, and the storm was so violent that the ship was in danger of breaking up. 5 The sailors were terrified and cried out for help, each one to his own god. Then, in order to lessen the danger, they threw the cargo overboard. Meanwhile, Jonah had gone below and was lying in the ship's hold, sound asleep. 6 The captain found him there and said to him, “What are you doing asleep? Get up and pray to your god for help. Maybe he will feel sorry for us and spare our lives.” 7 The sailors said to each other, “Let's draw lots and find out who is to blame for getting us into this danger.” They did so, and Jonah's name was drawn. 8 So they said to him, “Now, then, tell us! Who is to blame for this? What are you doing here? What country do you come from? What is your nationality?” 9 “I am a Hebrew,” Jonah answered. “I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made land and sea. ” 10 Jonah went on to tell them that he was running away from the LORD. The sailors were terrified, and said to him, “That was an awful thing to do!” 11 The storm was getting worse all the time, so the sailors asked him, “What should we do to you to stop the storm?” 12 Jonah answered, “Throw me into the sea, and it will calm down. I know it is my fault that you are caught in this violent storm.” 13 Instead, the sailors tried to get the ship to shore, rowing with all their might. But the storm was becoming worse and worse, and they got nowhere. 14 So they cried out to the LORD, “O LORD, we pray, don't punish us with death for taking this man's life! You, O LORD, are responsible for all this; it is your doing. ” 15 Then they picked Jonah up and threw him into the sea, and it calmed down at once. 16 This made the sailors so afraid of the LORD that they offered a sacrifice and promised to serve him. 17 At the LORD's command a large fish swallowed Jonah, and he was inside the fish for three days and three nights. Reflect Of all the places God could have sent Jonah, Nineveh may have been the hardest place for Jonah to go. Why did Jonah seek to avoid going to Nineveh? If you were Jonah, would you have disobeyed God’s command? Why or why not? Have you ever experienced a time when you chose to avoid doing something you were told or expected to do? If so, what happened as a result? Pray Lord God, creator of land and sea, give me an obedient heart, and teach me your ways. Order my steps this day so that all I do and say is in accord with your will. In your holy name I pay. Amen. Prayer Concern Seafarers Tomorrow's Reading Jonah 2:1-10: Jonah prays from within the large fish. 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 June 28, 2013 Author Members Posted June 28, 2013 June 27, 2013 Jonah 2:1-10 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Jonah 2:1-10: While inside the large fish, Jonah prays to God. God rescues him from the depths of the sea, and Jonah’s prayer includes words of praise and thanksgiving Today’s Scripture: Jonah 2:2a “In my distress, O LORD, I called to you, and you answered me.” Today’s Reading 1 From deep inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God: 2 “In my distress, O LORD, I called to you, and you answered me. From deep in the world of the dead I cried for help, and you heard me. 3 You threw me down into the depths, to the very bottom of the sea, where the waters were all around me, and all your mighty waves rolled over me. 4 I thought I had been banished from your presence and would never see your holy Temple again. 5 The water came over me and choked me; the sea covered me completely, and seaweed wrapped around my head. 6 I went down to the very roots of the mountains, into the land whose gates lock shut forever. But you, O LORD my God, brought me back from the depths alive. 7 When I felt my life slipping away, then, O LORD, I prayed to you, and in your holy Temple you heard me. 8 Those who worship worthless idols have abandoned their loyalty to you. 9 But I will sing praises to you; I will offer you a sacrifice and do what I have promised. Salvation comes from the LORD!” 10 Then the LORD ordered the fish to spit Jonah up on the beach, and it did. Reflect In 1:17 from yesterday’s reading, we learned that Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights. What do you suppose were Jonah’s thoughts during that time? In his prayer, what does Jonah promise to do? What did Jonah’s prayer reveal about his relationship with God? What does your prayer life say about your relationship with God? Pray Lord God, whenever I am in distress, I call out to you. I know that you hear my prayers. Salvation comes from you, O Lord! Thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in distress Tomorrow's Reading Jonah 3:1-10: Jonah obeys God and goes to Nineveh. 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 July 11, 2013 Author Members Posted July 11, 2013 June 28, 2013 Jonah 3:1-10 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Jonah 3:1-10: Again, God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach to the people. Jonah delivers a brief message (verse 4), the people heed Jonah’s warning, and God chooses not to punish them. Today’s Scripture: Jonah 3:8b “Everyone must pray earnestly to God and must give up their wicked behavior and their evil actions.” Today’s Reading 1 Once again the LORD spoke to Jonah. 2 He said, “Go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to the people the message I have given you.” 3 So Jonah obeyed the LORD and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to walk through it. 4 Jonah started through the city, and after walking a whole day, he proclaimed, “In forty days Nineveh will be destroyed!” 5 The people of Nineveh believed God's message. So they decided that everyone should fast, and all the people, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth to show that they had repented. 6 When the king of Nineveh heard about it, he got up from his throne, took off his robe, put on sackcloth, and sat down in ashes. 7 He sent out a proclamation to the people of Nineveh: “This is an order from the king and his officials: No one is to eat anything; all persons, cattle, and sheep are forbidden to eat or drink. 8 All persons and animals must wear sackcloth. Everyone must pray earnestly to God and must give up their wicked behavior and their evil actions. 9 Perhaps God will change his mind; perhaps he will stop being angry, and we will not die! ” 10 God saw what they did; he saw that they had given up their wicked behavior. So he changed his mind and did not punish them as he had said he would. Reflect Do you sense that Jonah was still reluctant to obey God? Why or why not? What was Jonah’s message to the people? How did the people of Nineveh respond? What did the king do and say? What did today’s reading teach you about God? Pray God of love and mercy, you look upon me with compassion and are ready to forgive me when I come to you with a humble and repentant heart and confess to you my wrongdoings. I thank and praise you for loving me so. Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking God’s will and a desire to change their behavior patterns Tomorrow's Reading Jonah 4:1-11: Jonah is angry with God. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 11, 2013 Author Members Posted July 11, 2013 June 29, 2013 Jonah 4:1-11 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Jonah 4:1-11: When the people of Nineveh give up their wicked behavior, Jonah becomes angry and pouts. God challenges Jonah about his right to feel angry. Today’s Scripture: Jonah 4:2b “You are a loving and merciful God, always patient, always kind, and always ready to change your mind and not punish.” Today’s Reading 1 Jonah was very unhappy about this and became angry. 2 So he prayed, “ LORD, didn't I say before I left home that this is just what you would do? That's why I did my best to run away to Spain! I knew that you are a loving and merciful God, always patient, always kind, and always ready to change your mind and not punish. 3 Now then, LORD, let me die. I am better off dead than alive. ” 4 The LORD answered, “What right do you have to be angry?” 5 Jonah went out east of the city and sat down. He made a shelter for himself and sat in its shade, waiting to see what would happen to Nineveh. 6 Then the LORD God made a plant grow up over Jonah to give him some shade, so that he would be more comfortable. Jonah was extremely pleased with the plant. 7 But at dawn the next day, at God's command, a worm attacked the plant, and it died. 8 After the sun had risen, God sent a hot east wind, and Jonah was about to faint from the heat of the sun beating down on his head. So he wished he were dead. “I am better off dead than alive,” he said. 9 But God said to him, “What right do you have to be angry about the plant?” Jonah replied, “I have every right to be angry—angry enough to die!” 10 The LORD said to him, “This plant grew up in one night and disappeared the next; you didn't do anything for it and you didn't make it grow—yet you feel sorry for it! 11 How much more, then, should I have pity on Nineveh, that great city. After all, it has more than 120,000 innocent children in it, as well as many animals! ” Reflect What was Jonah unhappy about? Why? How did God respond to Jonah’s anger? Why did God have pity on Nineveh? What does today’s reading teach you about God? Pray Loving and merciful God, there are times when I am angry, and I cannot hide my thoughts from you. Teach me to seek your ways and help me to overcome those thoughts that are not in accord with your will. Thank you for your kindness and patience with me, and for always restoring me to a right relationship with you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those holding grudges Tomorrow's Reading Philemon 1-25: The apostle Paul encourages his friend Philemon to welcome a runaway slave. 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 July 12, 2013 Author Members Posted July 12, 2013 June 30, 2013 Philemon 1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Mercy and Forgiveness Introduction Philemon 1-25: Philemon was a prominent Christian and the owner of a slave named Onesimus. The slave had run away from his master and then somehow had come in contact with Paul, who was then in prison. Through Paul, Onesimus became a Christian. Today’s reading is in the form of a letter from Paul to Philemon, and Paul appeals to Philemon to be reconciled to Onesimus, (whom Paul is sending back to him), and to welcome him not only as a forgiven slave but also as a Christian brother. Today’s Scripture: Philemon 3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Today’s Reading 1 From Paul, a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy— To our friend and fellow worker Philemon, 2 and the church that meets in your house, and our sister Apphia, and our fellow soldier Archippus: 3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 Brother Philemon, every time I pray, I mention you and give thanks to my God. 5 For I hear of your love for all of God's people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus. 6 My prayer is that our fellowship with you as believers will bring about a deeper understanding of every blessing which we have in our life in union with Christ. 7 Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all of God's people. 8 For this reason I could be bold enough, as your brother in Christ, to order you to do what should be done. 9 But because I love you, I make a request instead. I do this even though I am Paul, the ambassador of Christ Jesus, and at present also a prisoner for his sake. 10 So I make a request to you on behalf of Onesimus, who is my own son in Christ; for while in prison I have become his spiritual father. 11 At one time he was of no use to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him back to you now, and with him goes my heart. 13 I would like to keep him here with me, while I am in prison for the gospel's sake, so that he could help me in your place. 14 However, I do not want to force you to help me; rather, I would like for you to do it of your own free will. So I will not do anything unless you agree. 15 It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time. 16 And now he is not just a slave, but much more than a slave: he is a dear brother in Christ. How much he means to me! And how much more he will mean to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord! 17 So, if you think of me as your partner, welcome him back just as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to my account. 19 Here, I will write this with my own hand: I, Paul, will pay you back (I should not have to remind you, of course, that you owe your very self to me.) 20 So, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake; as a brother in Christ, cheer me up! 21 I am sure, as I write this, that you will do what I ask—in fact I know that you will do even more. 22 At the same time, get a room ready for me, because I hope that God will answer the prayers of all of you and give me back to you. 23 Epaphras, who is in prison with me for the sake of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, 24 and so do my co-workers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke. 25 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Reflect If Onesimus had intentionally run away from his master, Roman law would have allowed Philemon to punish him severely, perhaps even putting him to death. What does Paul encourage Philemon to do instead? What does Paul’s letter to Philemon teach us about how Christians should treat one another? What can you learn from Paul’s example and the actions he took on behalf of Onesimus? Pray Holy God, fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me a humble and repentant heart, teaching me to forgive others as you have forgiven me in Christ Jesus. Amen. Prayer Concern Friends who are estranged Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 17:1-27: God promises Abraham that he will have many descendants. 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 July 12, 2013 Author Members Posted July 12, 2013 July 1, 2013 Genesis 17:1-27 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Genesis 17:1-27: God had initiated a covenant with Abram, promising him land and many descendants (Genesis 12:1-3). Concerned that he and his wife Sarai were childless, Abram had a son by Hagar, Sarai’s slave, and the child was named Ishmael (Genesis 16). In today’s reading, Abram is now told by God to circumcise all male boys when they are eight days old as a sign of Abram’s agreement to keep the covenant. Abram’s and Sarai’s names are changed to Abraham and Sarah, and God tells Abraham that he and Sarah will have a son who is to be named Isaac. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 17:7 “I will keep my promise to you and to your descendants in future generations as an everlasting covenant. I will be your God and the God of your descendants.” Today’s Reading 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am the Almighty God. Obey me and always do what is right. 2 I will make my covenant with you and give you many descendants. ” 3 Abram bowed down with his face touching the ground, and God said, 4 “I make this covenant with you: I promise that you will be the ancestor of many nations. 5 Your name will no longer be Abram, but Abraham, because I am making you the ancestor of many nations. 6 I will give you many descendants, and some of them will be kings. You will have so many descendants that they will become nations. 7 I will keep my promise to you and to your descendants in future generations as an everlasting covenant. I will be your God and the God of your descendants. 8 I will give to you and to your descendants this land in which you are now a foreigner. The whole land of Canaan will belong to your descendants forever, and I will be their God. ” 9 God said to Abraham, “You also must agree to keep the covenant with me, both you and your descendants in future generations. 10 You and your descendants must all agree to circumcise every male among you. 11-12 From now on you must circumcise every baby boy when he is eight days old, including slaves born in your homes and slaves bought from foreigners. This will show that there is a covenant between you and me. 13 Each one must be circumcised, and this will be a physical sign to show that my covenant with you is everlasting. 14 Any male who has not been circumcised will no longer be considered one of my people, because he has not kept the covenant with me. ” 15 God said to Abraham, “You must no longer call your wife Sarai; from now on her name is Sarah. 16 I will bless her, and I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will become the mother of nations, and there will be kings among her descendants. ” 17 Abraham bowed down with his face touching the ground, but he began to laugh when he thought, “Can a man have a child when he is a hundred years old? Can Sarah have a child at ninety?” 18 He asked God, “Why not let Ishmael be my heir?” 19 But God said, “No. Your wife Sarah will bear you a son and you will name him Isaac. I will keep my covenant with him and with his descendants forever. It is an everlasting covenant. 20 I have heard your request about Ishmael, so I will bless him and give him many children and many descendants. He will be the father of twelve princes, and I will make a great nation of his descendants. 21 But I will keep my covenant with your son Isaac, who will be born to Sarah about this time next year. ” 22 When God finished speaking to Abraham, he left him. 23 On that same day Abraham obeyed God and circumcised his son Ishmael and all the other males in his household, including the slaves born in his home and those he had bought. 24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, 25 and his son Ishmael was thirteen. 26 They were both circumcised on the same day, 27 together with all of Abraham's slaves. Reflect The name Abraham means “Father of a multitude,” and the name Sarah means “Princess,” an indication that Sarah is to be the mother of kings. In what way do these name changes indicate that something new will be forthcoming in their lives? What is God’s response to Abraham concerning Ishmael? Pray God of new beginnings, daily you embrace me in love and shower me with your blessings. Help me to be open to new challenges and plans as you guide me in my journey of faith. Amen. Prayer Concern Those embarking on new business ventures Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 18:1-15: A son is promised to Abraham and Sarah. 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 July 12, 2013 Author Members Posted July 12, 2013 July 2, 2013 Genesis 18:1-15 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Genesis 18:1-15: The LORD appears to Abraham, and Abraham welcomes three visitors. They tell Abraham that he and Sarah will have a son. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 18:14 “Is anything too hard for the LORD? As I said, nine months from now I will return, and Sarah will have a son.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD appeared to Abraham at the sacred trees of Mamre. As Abraham was sitting at the entrance of his tent during the hottest part of the day, 2 he looked up and saw three men standing there. As soon as he saw them, he ran out to meet them. Bowing down with his face touching the ground, 3 he said, “Sirs, please do not pass by my home without stopping; I am here to serve you. 4 Let me bring some water for you to wash your feet; you can rest here beneath this tree. 5 I will also bring a bit of food; it will give you strength to continue your journey. You have honored me by coming to my home, so let me serve you. ” They replied, “Thank you; we accept.” 6 Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick, take a sack of your best flour, and bake some bread.” 7 Then he ran to the herd and picked out a calf that was tender and fat, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to get it ready. 8 He took some cream, some milk, and the meat, and set the food before the men. There under the tree he served them himself, and they ate. 9 Then they asked him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” “She is there in the tent,” he answered. 10 One of them said, “Nine months from now I will come back, and your wife Sarah will have a son. ” Sarah was behind him, at the door of the tent, listening. 11 Abraham and Sarah were very old, and Sarah had stopped having her monthly periods. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself and said, “Now that I am old and worn out, can I still enjoy sex? And besides, my husband is old too.” 13 Then the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, “Can I really have a child when I am so old?” 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? As I said, nine months from now I will return, and Sarah will have a son. ” 15 Because Sarah was afraid, she denied it. “I didn't laugh,” she said. “Yes, you did,” he replied. “You laughed.” Reflect How does Abraham show hospitality to the three men? Why does Sarah laugh when she overhears what is told to Abraham? Recall yesterday’s reading (Genesis 17:17) when Abraham also laughs when God says that he and Sarah will have a son. We read today in verse 14, “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” Have you ever experienced God’s intervention when confronted by a situation that seemed impossible to endure or overcome? Pray God of all possibilities, nothing is too hard or impossible for you. Strengthen my faith, and when trials come my way, remind me to place my trust in you. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing a difficult decision Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 21:1-21: Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah. 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 July 12, 2013 Author Members Posted July 12, 2013 July 3, 2013 Genesis 21:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Genesis 21:1-21: As promised by God, Sarah becomes pregnant and bears Abraham a son who is named Isaac. Sarah tells Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away, and an angel of God speaks to Hagar in the wilderness. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 21:2b The boy was born at the time God had said he would be born. Today’s Reading 1 The LORD blessed Sarah, as he had promised, 2 and she became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham when he was old. The boy was born at the time God had said he would be born. 3 Abraham named him Isaac, 4 and when Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God had commanded. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when Isaac was born. 6 Sarah said, “God has brought me joy and laughter. Everyone who hears about it will laugh with me. ” 7 Then she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” 8 The child grew, and on the day that he was weaned, Abraham gave a great feast. 9 One day Ishmael, whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham, was playing with Sarah's son Isaac. 10 Sarah saw them and said to Abraham, “Send this slave and her son away. The son of this woman must not get any part of your wealth, which my son Isaac should inherit.” 11 This troubled Abraham very much, because Ishmael also was his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Don't be worried about the boy and your slave Hagar. Do whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that you will have the descendants I have promised. 13 I will also give many children to the son of the slave woman, so that they will become a nation. He too is your son. ” 14 Early the next morning Abraham gave Hagar some food and a leather bag full of water. He put the child on her back and sent her away. She left and wandered about in the wilderness of Beersheba. 15 When the water was all gone, she left the child under a bush 16 and sat down about a hundred yards away. She said to herself, “I can't bear to see my child die.” While she was sitting there, she began to cry. 17 God heard the boy crying, and from heaven the angel of God spoke to Hagar, “What are you troubled about, Hagar? Don't be afraid. God has heard the boy crying. 18 Get up, go and pick him up, and comfort him. I will make a great nation out of his descendants. ” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well. She went and filled the leather bag with water and gave some to the boy. 20 God was with the boy as he grew up; he lived in the wilderness of Paran and became a skillful hunter. 21 His mother got an Egyptian wife for him. Reflect What are your thoughts about Sarah’s demand that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away? How does Abraham react? What does God say to Abraham? What does the angel of God say to Hagar in the wilderness? What does today’s reading teach you about God? Pray God of comfort, daily you provide me with what I need and you sustain me day by day. I trust in you and praise you for your constant love and care. Amen. Prayer Concern Single parents Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 22:1-19: God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. 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 July 13, 2013 Author Members Posted July 13, 2013 July 4, 2013 Genesis 22:1-19 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Genesis 22:1-19: God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham obeys, but Isaac is spared and God blesses Abraham because he chose to honor and obey God. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 22:12 “Don’t hurt the boy or do anything to him,” he said. “Now I know that you honor and obey God, because you have not kept back your only son from him.” Today’s Reading 1 Some time later God tested Abraham; he called to him, “Abraham!” And Abraham answered, “Yes, here I am!” 2 “Take your son,” God said, “your only son, Isaac, whom you love so much, and go to the land of Moriah. There on a mountain that I will show you, offer him as a sacrifice to me.” 3 Early the next morning Abraham cut some wood for the sacrifice, loaded his donkey, and took Isaac and two servants with him. They started out for the place that God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham saw the place in the distance. 5 Then he said to the servants, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there and worship, and then we will come back to you.” 6 Abraham made Isaac carry the wood for the sacrifice, and he himself carried a knife and live coals for starting the fire. As they walked along together, 7 Isaac spoke up, “Father!” He answered, “Yes, my son?” Isaac asked, “I see that you have the coals and the wood, but where is the lamb for the sacrifice?” 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide one.” And the two of them walked on together. 9 When they came to the place which God had told him about, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. He tied up his son and placed him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he picked up the knife to kill him. 11 But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” He answered, “Yes, here I am.” 12 “Don't hurt the boy or do anything to him,” he said. “Now I know that you honor and obey God, because you have not kept back your only son from him.” 13 Abraham looked around and saw a ram caught in a bush by its horns. He went and got it and offered it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 Abraham named that place “The LORD Provides. ” And even today people say, “On the LORD's mountain he provides. ” 15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time, 16 “I make a vow by my own name—the LORD is speaking—that I will richly bless you. Because you did this and did not keep back your only son from me, 17 I promise that I will give you as many descendants as there are stars in the sky or grains of sand along the seashore. Your descendants will conquer their enemies. 18 All the nations will ask me to bless them as I have blessed your descendants—all because you obeyed my command. ” 19 Abraham went back to his servants, and they went together to Beersheba, where Abraham settled. Reflect In ancient times, offering a burned sacrifice was a way to worship God. In response to God’s command, Abraham is prepared to offer his son, the child of God’s promise, as a sacrifice to God. To what do you attribute Abraham’s willingness to do what God commanded? Reread verses 17 and 18. What does God promise Abraham? Pray Holy God, whenever I feel that my faith is being tested, I know that I can trust in you. Teach me to be obedient to your will. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Parents Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 24:1-33: Abraham instructs his servant to find a wife for Isaac. 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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