Members phkrause Posted July 13, 2013 Author Members Posted July 13, 2013 July 5, 2013 Genesis 24:1-33 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Genesis 24:1-33: Today we begin reading the first part of a lengthy narrative that focuses on Rebecca, the matriarch of the next generation. Sarah has died (Genesis 23), and Abraham, wishing to find a suitable wife for his son Isaac, commissions his servant to carry out this task. The narrative reflects various customs associated with marriage in the ancient Near East. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 24:27a He said, “Praise the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has faithfully kept his promise to my master.” Today’s Reading 1 Abraham was now very old, and the LORD had blessed him in everything he did. 2 He said to his oldest servant, who was in charge of all that he had, “Place your hand between my thighs and make a vow. 3 I want you to make a vow in the name of the LORD, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not choose a wife for my son from the people here in Canaan. 4 You must go back to the country where I was born and get a wife for my son Isaac from among my relatives. ” 5 But the servant asked, “What if the young woman will not leave home to come with me to this land? Shall I send your son back to the land you came from?” 6 Abraham answered, “Make sure that you don't send my son back there! 7 The LORD, the God of heaven, brought me from the home of my father and from the land of my relatives, and he solemnly promised me that he would give this land to my descendants. He will send his angel before you, so that you can get a wife there for my son. 8 If the young woman is not willing to come with you, you will be free from this promise. But you must not under any circumstances take my son back there. ” 9 So the servant put his hand between the thighs of Abraham, his master, and made a vow to do what Abraham had asked. 10 The servant, who was in charge of Abraham's property, took ten of his master's camels and went to the city where Nahor had lived in northern Mesopotamia. 11 When he arrived, he made the camels kneel down at the well outside the city. It was late afternoon, the time when women came out to get water. 12 He prayed, “ LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today and keep your promise to my master. 13 Here I am at the well where the young women of the city will be coming to get water. 14 I will say to one of them, “Please, lower your jar and let me have a drink.” If she says, “Drink, and I will also bring water for your camels,” may she be the one that you have chosen for your servant Isaac. If this happens, I will know that you have kept your promise to my master. ” 15 Before he had finished praying, Rebecca arrived with a water jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham's brother Nahor and his wife Milcah. 16 She was a very beautiful young woman and still a virgin. She went down to the well, filled her jar, and came back. 17 The servant ran to meet her and said, “Please give me a drink of water from your jar.” 18 She said, “Drink, sir,” and quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and held it while he drank. 19 When he had finished, she said, “I will also bring water for your camels and let them have all they want.” 20 She quickly emptied her jar into the animals' drinking trough and ran to the well to get more water, until she had watered all his camels. 21 The man kept watching her in silence, to see if the LORD had given him success. 22 When she had finished, the man took an expensive gold ring and put it in her nose and put two large gold bracelets on her arms. 23 He said, “Please tell me who your father is. Is there room in his house for my men and me to spend the night?” 24 “My father is Bethuel son of Nahor and Milcah,” she answered. 25 “There is plenty of straw and fodder at our house, and there is a place for you to stay.” 26 Then the man knelt down and worshiped the LORD. 27 He said, “Praise the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has faithfully kept his promise to my master. The LORD has led me straight to my master's relatives. ” 28 The young woman ran to her mother's house and told the whole story. 29 Now Rebecca had a brother named Laban, and he ran outside to go to the well where Abraham's servant was. 30 Laban had seen the nose ring and the bracelets on his sister's arms and had heard her say what the man had told her. He went to Abraham's servant, who was standing by his camels at the well, 31 and said, “Come home with me. You are a man whom the LORD has blessed. Why are you standing out here? I have a room ready for you in my house, and there is a place for your camels. ” 32 So the man went into the house, and Laban unloaded the camels and gave them straw and fodder. Then he brought water for Abraham's servant and his men to wash their feet. 33 When food was brought, the man said, “I will not eat until I have said what I have to say.” Laban said, “Go on and speak.” Reflect What instructions does Abraham give his servant? Reread verses 12-14. In what way does the servant’s prayer indicate that God’s hand is at work? How is the selection of Rebecca revealed to the servant? In what ways have you experienced God’s hand at work in your life? Pray Dear God, open my heart and mind to listen for your voice. Guide me this day and teach me to heed your commands and trust in your promises. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Engaged couples Tomorrow's Reading Genesis 24:34-67: A wife is found 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
Members phkrause Posted July 13, 2013 Author Members Posted July 13, 2013 July 6, 2013 Genesis 24:34-67 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Genesis 24:34-67: Today’s reading concludes the narrative about the selection of a wife for Isaac. Abraham’s servant negotiates the arrangement with Laban, Rebecca’s brother. Rebecca agrees to go with the servant, and she becomes Isaac’s wife. Today’s Scripture: Genesis 24:48a “I knelt down and worshiped the LORD. I praised the LORD, the God of my master Abraham.” Today’s Reading 34 “I am the servant of Abraham,” he began. 35 “The LORD has greatly blessed my master and made him a rich man. He has given him flocks of sheep and goats, cattle, silver, gold, male and female slaves, camels, and donkeys. 36 Sarah, my master's wife, bore him a son when she was old, and my master has given everything he owns to him. 37 My master made me promise with a vow to obey his command. He said, ‘Do not choose a wife for my son from the young women in the land of Canaan. 38 Instead, go to my father's people, to my relatives, and choose a wife for him. ’ 39 And I asked my master, “What if she will not come with me?” 40 He answered, ‘The LORD, whom I have always obeyed, will send his angel with you and give you success. You will get for my son a wife from my own people, from my father's family. 41 There is only one way for you to be free from your vow: if you go to my relatives and they refuse you, then you will be free. ’ 42 When I came to the well today, I prayed, ‘ LORD, God of my master Abraham, please give me success in what I am doing. 43 Here I am at the well. When a young woman comes out to get water, I will ask her to give me a drink of water from her jar. 44 If she agrees and also offers to bring water for my camels, may she be the one that you have chosen as the wife for my master's son. ’ 45 Before I had finished my silent prayer, Rebecca came with a water jar on her shoulder and went down to the well to get water. I said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 46 She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, “Drink, and I will also water your camels.” So I drank, and she watered the camels. 47 I asked her, “Who is your father?” And she answered, “My father is Bethuel son of Nahor and Milcah.” Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms. 48 I knelt down and worshiped the LORD. I praised the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me straight to my master's relative, where I found his daughter for my master's son. 49 Now, if you intend to fulfill your responsibility toward my master and treat him fairly, please tell me; if not, say so, and I will decide what to do. ” 50 Laban and Bethuel answered, “Since this matter comes from the LORD, it is not for us to make a decision. 51 Here is Rebecca; take her and go. Let her become the wife of your master's son, as the LORD himself has said. ” 52 When the servant of Abraham heard this, he bowed down and worshiped the LORD. 53 Then he brought out clothing and silver and gold jewelry, and gave them to Rebecca. He also gave expensive gifts to her brother and to her mother. 54 Then Abraham's servant and the men with him ate and drank, and spent the night there. When they got up in the morning, he said, “Let me go back to my master.” 55 But Rebecca's brother and her mother said, “Let her stay with us a week or ten days, and then she may go.” 56 But he said, “Don't make us stay. The LORD has made my journey a success; let me go back to my master. ” 57 They answered, “Let's call her and find out what she has to say.” 58 So they called Rebecca and asked, “Do you want to go with this man?” “Yes,” she answered. 59 So they let Rebecca and her old family servant go with Abraham's servant and his men. 60 And they gave Rebecca their blessing in these words: “May you, sister, become the mother of millions! May your descendants conquer the cities of their enemies!” 61 Then Rebecca and her young women got ready and mounted the camels to go with Abraham's servant, and they all started out. 62 Isaac had come into the wilderness of “The Well of the Living One Who Sees Me” and was staying in the southern part of Canaan. 63 He went out in the early evening to take a walk in the fields and saw camels coming. 64 When Rebecca saw Isaac, she got down from her camel 65 and asked Abraham's servant, “Who is that man walking toward us in the field?” “He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her scarf and covered her face. 66 The servant told Isaac everything he had done. 67 Then Isaac brought Rebecca into the tent that his mother Sarah had lived in, and she became his wife. Isaac loved Rebecca, and so he was comforted for the loss of his mother. Reflect Today’s reading begins with a detailed summary of the previous events (verses 34-49). Marriage arrangements in the ancient Near Eastern and biblical societies were handled by men. What transactions took place (verses 50-61)? Reread verses 62-67. The veiling of a bride was part of the wedding ceremony and meant that Rebecca was willing to become the wife of Isaac. By entering the tent where Sarah had lived, she took Sarah’s place as the leading woman in the tribe. In what ways did this narrative reflect that events were led by God? Pray Holy God, I trust in your promises and place my hope in you. Order my steps this day, and guide me in the way of your truth. I worship you alone and praise your holy name. Amen. Prayer Concern Newlyweds Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 20:1-26: God gives Moses the Ten Commandments. 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 14, 2013 Author Members Posted July 14, 2013 July 7, 2013 Exodus 20:1-26 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Exodus 20:1-26: When camped at Mount Sinai, Moses receives laws and instructions from God, including the Ten Commandments. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 20:1, 2a God spoke, and these were his words: “I am the LORD your God.” Today’s Reading 1 God spoke, and these were his words: 2 “I am the LORD your God who brought you out of Egypt, where you were slaves. 3 Worship no god but me. 4 Do not make for yourselves images of anything in heaven or on earth or in the water under the earth. 5 Do not bow down to any idol or worship it, because I am the LORD your God and I tolerate no rivals. I bring punishment on those who hate me and on their descendants down to the third and fourth generation. 6 But I show my love to thousands of generations of those who love me and obey my laws. 7 Do not use my name for evil purposes, for I, the LORD your God, will punish anyone who misuses my name. 8 Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy. 9 You have six days in which to do your work, 10 but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to me. On that day no one is to work—neither you, your children, your slaves, your animals, nor the foreigners who live in your country. 11 In six days I, the LORD, made the earth, the sky, the seas, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That is why I, the LORD, blessed the Sabbath and made it holy. 12 Respect your father and your mother, so that you may live a long time in the land that I am giving you. 13 Do not commit murder. 14 Do not commit adultery. 15 Do not steal. 16 Do not accuse anyone falsely. 17 “Do not desire another man's house; do not desire his wife, his slaves, his cattle, his donkeys, or anything else that he owns.” 18 When the people heard the thunder and the trumpet blast and saw the lightning and the smoking mountain, they trembled with fear and stood a long way off. 19 They said to Moses, “If you speak to us, we will listen; but we are afraid that if God speaks to us, we will die.” 20 Moses replied, “Don't be afraid; God has only come to test you and make you keep on obeying him, so that you will not sin.” 21 But the people continued to stand a long way off, and only Moses went near the dark cloud where God was. 22 The LORD commanded Moses to tell the Israelites: You have seen how I, the LORD, have spoken to you from heaven. 23 Do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gold to be worshiped in addition to me. 24 Make an altar of earth for me, and on it sacrifice your sheep and your cattle as offerings to be completely burned and as fellowship offerings. In every place that I set aside for you to worship me, I will come to you and bless you. 25 If you make an altar of stone for me, do not build it out of cut stones, because when you use a chisel on stones, you make them unfit for my use. 26 Do not build an altar for me with steps leading up to it; if you do, you will expose yourselves as you go up the steps. Reflect The Ten Commandments are based on an ancient form of treaty between a ruler and his people. In such a treaty, the ruler identifies himself and refers to acts done on behalf of the people. Then the ruler gives laws that the people are to live by in order to keep their part of the treaty. Reread verses 1-17. Identify how the aspects of such a treaty are reflected in the Ten Commandments. Pray Sovereign God, you have rescued me from bondage to sin. Teach me to obey your commandments and to live each day in a way that honors you. You are my God and I worship you alone. Amen. Prayer Concern Government officials Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 24:1-18: The covenant is sealed in blood. 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 14, 2013 Author Members Posted July 14, 2013 July 8, 2013 Exodus 24:1-18 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Exodus 24:1-18: Moses, Aaron, Aaron’s two sons, and seventy of Israel’s leaders are selected to come into God’s presence. Blood from sacrificed animals is thrown against the altar and on the people. Moses is summoned to come again to Mount Sinai and stays with the LORD for forty days and nights. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 24:8b [Moses] said, “This is the blood that seals the covenant which the LORD made with you when he gave all these commands.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD said to Moses, “Come up the mountain to me, you and Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the leaders of Israel; and while you are still some distance away, bow down in worship. 2 You alone, and none of the others, are to come near me. The people are not even to come up the mountain. ” 3 Moses went and told the people all the LORD's commands and all the ordinances, and all the people answered together, “We will do everything that the LORD has said. ” 4 Moses wrote down all the LORD's commands. Early the next morning he built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stones, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 Then he sent young men, and they burned sacrifices to the LORD and sacrificed some cattle as fellowship offerings. 6 Moses took half of the blood of the animals and put it in bowls; and the other half he threw against the altar. 7 Then he took the book of the Covenant, in which the LORD's commands were written, and read it aloud to the people. They said, “We will obey the LORD and do everything that he has commanded. ” 8 Then Moses took the blood in the bowls and threw it on the people. He said, “This is the blood that seals the covenant which the LORD made with you when he gave all these commands. ” 9 Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the leaders of Israel went up the mountain 10 and they saw the God of Israel. Beneath his feet was what looked like a pavement of sapphire, as blue as the sky. 11 God did not harm these leading men of Israel; they saw God, and then they ate and drank together. 12 The LORD said to Moses, “Come up the mountain to me, and while you are here, I will give you two stone tablets which contain all the laws that I have written for the instruction of the people.” 13 Moses and his helper Joshua got ready, and Moses began to go up the holy mountain. 14 Moses said to the leaders, “Wait here in the camp for us until we come back. Aaron and Hur are here with you; and so whoever has a dispute to settle can go to them.” 15 Moses went up Mount Sinai, and a cloud covered it. 16-17 The dazzling light of the LORD's presence came down on the mountain. To the Israelites the light looked like a fire burning on top of the mountain. The cloud covered the mountain for six days, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from the cloud. 18 Moses went on up the mountain into the cloud. There he stayed for forty days and nights. Reflect In the Bible, the power of life is understood to be present in blood. Blood was considered evidence of God-given life. At Mount Sinai, blood was poured out to make firm the covenant between God and the Israelite people. What do the people promise (verse 7)? What promises have you made to God? Pray When you call, O God, teach me to listen and to put my trust in you. I promise to obey you and worship you alone. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Church councils Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 31:1-18: Moses instructs the people to keep the Sabbath. 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 14, 2013 Author Members Posted July 14, 2013 July 9, 2013 Exodus 31:1-18 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Exodus 31:1-18: Today’s reading is from a section in the book of Exodus that includes instructions for worship. The LORD chooses those who are to make the Tent which will house the Covenant Box, along with the furnishings. Moses is also given instructions on how the Sabbath is to be observed. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 31:12, 13 The LORD commanded Moses to tell the people of Israel, “Keep the Sabbath, my day of rest, because it is a sign between you and me for all time to come, to show that I, the LORD, have made you my own people.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 “I have chosen Bezalel, the son of Uri and grandson of Hur, from the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with my power. I have given him understanding, skill, and ability for every kind of artistic work— 4 for planning skillful designs and working them in gold, silver, and bronze; 5 for cutting jewels to be set; for carving wood; and for every other kind of artistic work. 6 I have also selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, from the tribe of Dan, to work with him. I have also given great ability to all the other skilled workers, so that they can make everything I have commanded to be made: 7 the Tent of my presence, the Covenant Box and its lid, all the furnishings of the Tent, 8 the table and its equipment, the lampstand of pure gold and all its equipment, the altar for burning incense, 9 the altar for burnt offerings and all its equipment, the washbasin and its base, 10 the magnificent priestly garments for Aaron and his sons to use when they serve as priests, 11 the anointing oil, and the sweet-smelling incense for the Holy Place. In making all these things, they are to do exactly as I have commanded you. ” 12 The LORD commanded Moses 13 to tell the people of Israel, “Keep the Sabbath, my day of rest, because it is a sign between you and me for all time to come, to show that I, the LORD, have made you my own people. 14 You must keep the day of rest, because it is sacred. Whoever does not keep it, but works on that day, is to be put to death. 15 You have six days in which to do your work, but the seventh day is a solemn day of rest dedicated to me. Whoever does any work on that day is to be put to death. 16 The people of Israel are to keep this day as a sign of the covenant. 17 It is a permanent sign between the people of Israel and me, because I, the LORD, made heaven and earth in six days, and on the seventh day I stopped working and rested. ” 18 When God had finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two stone tablets on which God himself had written the commandments. Reflect Reread verses 12-17. Why is the Sabbath sacred (verse 14)? What is its significance? In what ways do you observe the Sabbath? Pray Holy God, you have set aside a day in the week for Sabbath rest. May I use that day as a reminder of your steadfast love and care, and of the wonders of your creation. May my words and actions be dedicated to your glory and honor. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who prepare sanctuaries for worship Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 32:1-35: The people make an idol to 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 July 14, 2013 Author Members Posted July 14, 2013 July 10, 2013 Exodus 32:1-35 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Exodus 32:1-35: While Moses is on the mountain for forty days receiving the laws for the people (see Exodus 24:12, 18), the people become anxious and ask Aaron to make a statue of a god that they can worship. When Moses discovers the people worshiping the idol, he breaks the stone tablets that contain God’s laws, and the LORD punishes the people. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 32:16 God himself had made the tablets and had engraved the commandments on them. Today’s Reading 1 When the people saw that Moses had not come down from the mountain but was staying there a long time, they gathered around Aaron and said to him, “We do not know what has happened to this man Moses, who led us out of Egypt; so make us a god to lead us. ” 2 Aaron said to them, “Take off the gold earrings which your wives, your sons, and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took the earrings, melted them, poured the gold into a mold, and made a gold bull-calf. The people said, “Israel, this is our god, who led us out of Egypt!” 5 Then Aaron built an altar in front of the gold bull-calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to honor the LORD. ” 6 Early the next morning they brought some animals to burn as sacrifices and others to eat as fellowship offerings. The people sat down to a feast, which turned into an orgy of drinking and sex. 7 The LORD said to Moses, “Hurry and go back down, because your people, whom you led out of Egypt, have sinned and rejected me. 8 They have already left the way that I commanded them to follow; they have made a bull-calf out of melted gold and have worshiped it and offered sacrifices to it. They are saying that this is their god, who led them out of Egypt. 9 I know how stubborn these people are. 10 Now, don't try to stop me. I am angry with them, and I am going to destroy them. Then I will make you and your descendants into a great nation. ” 11 But Moses pleaded with the LORD his God and said, “ LORD, why should you be so angry with your people, whom you rescued from Egypt with great might and power? 12 Why should the Egyptians be able to say that you led your people out of Egypt, planning to kill them in the mountains and destroy them completely? Stop being angry; change your mind and do not bring this disaster on your people. 13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Remember the solemn promise you made to them to give them as many descendants as there are stars in the sky and to give their descendants all that land you promised would be their possession forever. ” 14 So the LORD changed his mind and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened. 15 Moses went back down the mountain, carrying the two stone tablets with the commandments written on both sides. 16 God himself had made the tablets and had engraved the commandments on them. 17 Joshua heard the people shouting and said to Moses, “I hear the sound of battle in the camp.” 18 Moses said, “That doesn't sound like a shout of victory or a cry of defeat; it's the sound of singing.” 19 When Moses came close enough to the camp to see the bull-calf and to see the people dancing, he became furious. There at the foot of the mountain, he threw down the tablets he was carrying and broke them. 20 He took the bull-calf which they had made, melted it, ground it into fine powder, and mixed it with water. Then he made the people of Israel drink it. 21 He said to Aaron, “What did these people do to you, that you have made them commit such a terrible sin?” 22 Aaron answered, “Don't be angry with me; you know how determined these people are to do evil. 23 They said to me, “We don't know what has happened to this man Moses, who brought us out of Egypt; so make us a god to lead us.” 24 I asked them to bring me their gold ornaments, and those who had any took them off and gave them to me. I threw the ornaments into the fire and out came this bull-calf! ” 25 Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get out of control and make fools of themselves in front of their enemies. 26 So he stood at the gate of the camp and shouted, “Everyone who is on the LORD's side come over here! ” So all the Levites gathered around him, 27 and he said to them, “The LORD God of Israel commands every one of you to put on your sword and go through the camp from this gate to the other and kill your brothers, your friends, and your neighbors. ” 28 The Levites obeyed, and killed about three thousand men that day. 29 Moses said to the Levites, “Today you have consecrated yourselves as priests in the service of the LORD by killing your sons and brothers, so the LORD has given you his blessing. ” 30 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a terrible sin. But now I will again go up the mountain to the LORD; perhaps I can obtain forgiveness for your sin. ” 31 Moses then returned to the LORD and said, “These people have committed a terrible sin. They have made a god out of gold and worshiped it. 32 Please forgive their sin; but if you won't, then remove my name from the book in which you have written the names of your people. ” 33 The LORD answered, “It is those who have sinned against me whose names I will remove from my book. 34 Now go, lead the people to the place I told you about. Remember that my angel will guide you, but the time is coming when I will punish these people for their sin. ” 35 So the LORD sent a disease on the people, because they had caused Aaron to make the gold bull-calf. Reflect How did the people rebel against God? Why? What was their punishment? What does Moses say to God when pleading on behalf of the people? What are your thoughts regarding Aaron’s actions? regarding Moses’ actions? Have you ever experienced a time of waiting for God to act and lost patience? Pray Lord God Most High, teach me to wait upon you with patience. Let me not be led astray and keep me close to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need of patience Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 33:1-23: The Israelites are ordered to leave Mount Sinai. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 15, 2013 Author Members Posted July 15, 2013 July 11, 2013 Exodus 33:1-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Exodus 33:1-23: God tells Moses to lead the people away from Mount Sinai and toward the land of Canaan, promising to be with them throughout the journey. Moses asks to see the fullness of the glory of God. God shows his back to Moses, but won’t let Moses see his face. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 33:19 The LORD answered, “I will make all my splendor pass before you and in your presence I will pronounce my sacred name. I am the LORD, and I show compassion and pity on those I choose.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought out of Egypt, and go to the land that I promised to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and to their descendants. 2 I will send an angel to guide you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 3 You are going to a rich and fertile land. But I will not go with you myself, because you are a stubborn people, and I might destroy you on the way. ” 4 When the people heard this, they began to mourn and did not wear jewelry any more. 5 For the LORD had commanded Moses to tell them, “You are a stubborn people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I would completely destroy you. Now take off your jewelry, and I will decide what to do with you.” 6 So after they left Mount Sinai, the people of Israel no longer wore jewelry. 7 Whenever the people of Israel set up camp, Moses would take the sacred Tent and put it up some distance outside the camp. It was called the Tent of the LORD's presence, and anyone who wanted to consult the LORD would go out to it. 8 Whenever Moses went out there, the people would stand at the door of their tents and watch Moses until he entered it. 9 After Moses had gone in, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the door of the Tent, and the LORD would speak to Moses from the cloud. 10 As soon as the people saw the pillar of cloud at the door of the Tent, they would bow down. 11 The LORD would speak with Moses face-to-face, just as someone speaks with a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp. But the young man who was his helper, Joshua son of Nun, stayed in the Tent. 12 Moses said to the LORD, “It is true that you have told me to lead these people to that land, but you did not tell me whom you would send with me. You have said that you know me well and are pleased with me. 13 Now if you are, tell me your plans, so that I may serve you and continue to please you. Remember also that you have chosen this nation to be your own. ” 14 The LORD said, “I will go with you, and I will give you victory.” 15 Moses replied, “If you do not go with us, don't make us leave this place. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with your people and with me if you do not go with us? Your presence with us will distinguish us from any other people on earth. ” 17 The LORD said to Moses, “I will do just as you have asked, because I know you very well and I am pleased with you.” 18 Then Moses requested, “Please, let me see the dazzling light of your presence.” 19 The LORD answered, “I will make all my splendor pass before you and in your presence I will pronounce my sacred name. I am the LORD, and I show compassion and pity on those I choose. 20 I will not let you see my face, because no one can see me and stay alive, 21 but here is a place beside me where you can stand on a rock. 22 When the dazzling light of my presence passes by, I will put you in an opening in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back but not my face. ” Reflect To see someone’s face is to know them more deeply. What would it have meant to Moses to see God’s face? What would it mean to you to see God’s face? In 1 Corinthians 13:12, the apostle Paul writes: “What we now see is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete—as complete as God’s knowledge of me.” How does this passage shed light on Moses’ encounter with God? Pray God of love and mercy, for now I see into a mirror dimly, with the hopes that one day your glory will be fully revealed to me. Assure me with the knowledge of your continual presence, that I may be ready to see you. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing uncertainty in their lives Tomorrow's Reading Exodus 34:1-35: The covenant is renewed. 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 15, 2013 Author Members Posted July 15, 2013 July 12, 2013 Exodus 34:1-35 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Exodus 34:1-35: After the people sin against God by worshiping an idol, God renews the earlier instructions given to Moses. Here, God’s anger is described as being so great that even the descendants of a rebellious person are punished. Today’s Scripture: Exodus 34:6 The LORD then passed in front of him and called out, “I, the LORD, am a God who is full of compassion and pity, who is not easily angered and who shows great love and faithfulness.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD said to Moses, “Cut two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Get ready tomorrow morning, and come up Mount Sinai to meet me there at the top. 3 No one is to come up with you; no one is to be seen on any part of the mountain; and no sheep or cattle are to graze at the foot of the mountain. ” 4 So Moses cut two more stone tablets, and early the next morning he carried them up Mount Sinai, just as the LORD had commanded. 5 The LORD came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and pronounced his holy name, the LORD. 6 The LORD then passed in front of him and called out, “I, the LORD, am a God who is full of compassion and pity, who is not easily angered and who shows great love and faithfulness. 7 I keep my promise for thousands of generations and forgive evil and sin; but I will not fail to punish children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation for the sins of their parents. ” 8 Moses quickly bowed down to the ground and worshiped. 9 He said, “Lord, if you really are pleased with me, I ask you to go with us. These people are stubborn, but forgive our evil and our sin, and accept us as your own people.” 10 The LORD said to Moses, “I now make a covenant with the people of Israel. In their presence I will do great things such as have never been done anywhere on earth among any of the nations. All the people will see what great things I, the LORD, can do, because I am going to do an awesome thing for you. 11 Obey the laws that I am giving you today. I will drive out the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, as you advance. 12 Do not make any treaties with the people of the country into which you are going, because this could be a fatal trap for you. 13 Instead, tear down their altars, destroy their sacred pillars, and cut down their symbols of the goddess Asherah. 14 Do not worship any other god, because I, the LORD, tolerate no rivals. 15 Do not make any treaties with the people of the country, because when they worship their pagan gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you to join them, and you will be tempted to eat the food they offer to their gods. 16 Your sons might marry those foreign women, who would lead them to be unfaithful to me and to worship their pagan gods. 17 Do not make gods of metal and worship them. 18 Keep the Festival of Unleavened Bread. As I have commanded you, eat unleavened bread for seven days in the month of Abib, because it was in that month that you left Egypt. 19 Every first-born son and first-born male domestic animal belongs to me, 20 but you are to buy back every first-born donkey by offering a lamb in its place. If you do not buy it back, break its neck. Buy back every first-born son. No one is to appear before me without an offering. 21 You have six days in which to do your work, but do not work on the seventh day, not even during plowing time or harvest. 22 Keep the Harvest Festival when you begin to harvest the first crop of your wheat, and keep the Festival of Shelters in the autumn when you gather your fruit. 23 Three times a year all of your men must come to worship me, the LORD, the God of Israel. 24 After I have driven out the nations before you and extended your territory, no one will try to conquer your country during the three festivals. 25 Do not offer bread made with yeast when you sacrifice an animal to me. Do not keep until the following morning any part of the animal killed at the Passover Festival. 26 Each year bring to the house of the LORD the first grain that you harvest. “Do not cook a young sheep or goat in its mother's milk.” 27 The LORD said to Moses, “Write these words down, because it is on the basis of these words that I am making a covenant with you and with Israel.” 28 Moses stayed there with the LORD forty days and nights, eating and drinking nothing. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. 29 When Moses went down from Mount Sinai carrying the Ten Commandments, his face was shining because he had been speaking with the LORD; but he did not know it. 30 Aaron and all the people looked at Moses and saw that his face was shining, and they were afraid to go near him. 31 But Moses called them, and Aaron and all the leaders of the community went to him, and Moses spoke with them. 32 After that, all the people of Israel gathered around him, and Moses gave them all the laws that the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses had finished speaking with them, he covered his face with a veil. 34 Whenever Moses went into the Tent of the LORD's presence to speak to the LORD, he would take the veil off. When he came out, he would tell the people of Israel everything that he had been commanded to say, 35 and they would see that his face was shining. Then he would put the veil back on until the next time he went to speak with the LORD. Reflect Reread verses 6-7. These verses use formula-style language to describe several characteristics of God’s nature. They speak of God’s love and faithfulness, but also say that God hates sin and punishes those who are unfaithful and disobedient. Later in Israelite history, the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel speak of a time when people will be responsible for their own sins and no child will be punished for the sins of a parent (Jeremiah 31:29-30; Ezekiel 18:1-32). What are your thoughts about the change in God’s response to sin? Pray Holy and merciful God, you enter into my struggles and redeem me through your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the ways I have failed to do your will. Walk with me in this new day, that my actions may model your gracious love. Amen. Prayer Concern All who struggle to follow God’s will Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 1:1-33: Moses delivers his first speech to the Israelites who are preparing to enter the Promised Land. 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 15, 2013 Author Members Posted July 15, 2013 July 13, 2013 Deuteronomy 1:1-33 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 1:1-33: The book of Deuteronomy is presented as Moses’ last words to the generation of Israelites who are ready to enter the Promised Land. Over the next fourteen days, we will be reading excerpts from Deuteronomy. Today’s reading is Moses’ first speech in which he reviews Israel’s wilderness journey from Mount Sinai to where they are now camping in the plains of Moab. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:11 May the LORD, the God of your ancestors, make you increase a thousand times more and make you prosperous, as he promised! Today’s Reading 1 In this book are the words that Moses spoke to the people of Israel when they were in the wilderness east of the Jordan River. They were in the Jordan Valley near Suph, between the town of Paran on one side and the towns of Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab on the other. ( 2 It takes eleven days to travel from Mount Sinai to Kadesh Barnea by way of the hill country of Edom.) 3 On the first day of the eleventh month of the fortieth year after they had left Egypt, Moses told the people everything the LORD had commanded him to tell them. 4 This was after the LORD had defeated King Sihon of the Amorites, who ruled in the town of Heshbon, and King Og of Bashan, who ruled in the towns of Ashtaroth and Edrei. 5 It was while the people were east of the Jordan in the territory of Moab that Moses began to explain God's laws and teachings. He said, 6 “When we were at Mount Sinai, the LORD our God said to us, ‘You have stayed long enough at this mountain. 7 Break camp and move on. Go to the hill country of the Amorites and to all the surrounding regions—to the Jordan Valley, to the hill country and the lowlands, to the southern region, and to the Mediterranean coast. Go to the land of Canaan and on beyond the Lebanon Mountains as far as the great Euphrates River. 8 All of this is the land which I, the LORD, promised to give to your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to their descendants. Go and occupy it. ’ ” 9 Moses said to the people, “While we were still at Mount Sinai, I told you, ‘The responsibility for leading you is too much for me. I can't do it alone. 10 The LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky. 11 May the LORD, the God of your ancestors, make you increase a thousand times more and make you prosperous, as he promised! 12 But how can I alone bear the heavy responsibility for settling your disputes? 13 Choose some wise, understanding, and experienced men from each tribe, and I will put them in charge of you. ’ 14 And you agreed that this was a good thing to do. 15 So I took the wise and experienced leaders you chose from your tribes, and I placed them in charge of you. Some were responsible for a thousand people, some for a hundred, some for fifty, and some for ten. I also appointed other officials throughout the tribes. 16 At that time I instructed them, ‘Listen to the disputes that come up among your people. Judge every dispute fairly, whether it concerns only your own people or involves foreigners who live among you. 17 Show no partiality in your decisions; judge everyone on the same basis, no matter who they are. Do not be afraid of anyone, for the decisions you make come from God. If any case is too difficult for you, bring it to me, and I will decide it. ’ 18 At the same time I gave you instructions for everything else you were to do. 19 We did what the LORD our God commanded us. We left Mount Sinai and went through that vast and fearful desert on the way to the hill country of the Amorites. When we reached Kadesh Barnea, 20-21 I told you, ‘You have now come to the hill country of the Amorites, which the LORD our God, the God of our ancestors, is giving us. Look, there it is. Go and occupy it as he commanded. Do not hesitate or be afraid. ’ 22 But you came to me and said, “Let's send men ahead of us to spy out the land, so that they can tell us the best route to take and what kind of cities are there.” 23 That seemed like a good thing to do, so I selected twelve men, one from each tribe. 24 They went into the hill country as far as Eshcol Valley and explored it. 25 They brought us back some fruit they found there, and reported that the land which the LORD our God was giving us was very fertile. 26 But you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God, and you would not enter the land. 27 You grumbled to one another: ‘The LORD hates us. He brought us out of Egypt just to hand us over to these Amorites, so that they could kill us. 28 Why should we go there? We are afraid. The men we sent tell us that the people there are stronger and taller than we are, and that they live in cities with walls that reach the sky. They saw giants there! ’ 29 But I told you, ‘Don't be afraid of those people. 30 The LORD your God will lead you, and he will fight for you, just as you saw him do in Egypt 31 and in the desert. You saw how he brought you safely all the way to this place, just as a father would carry his son. ’ 32 But in spite of what I said, you still would not trust the LORD, 33 even though he always went ahead of you to find a place for you to camp. To show you the way, he went in front of you in a pillar of fire by night and in a pillar of cloud by day. Reflect The first generation of Israelites that came out of Egypt was unfaithful during the forty years they wandered in the wilderness. How were they punished (verses 34-36)? Who will be allowed to enter the Promised Land (verse 39)? In what ways did God care for the people throughout their journey (verses 29-33)? In what ways have you experienced God’s care? Pray God of promise, teach me to follow your commands and guide me this day. Draw me close to you in the safety of your love and care. Amen. Prayer Concern Those preparing to travel Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 4:1-14: Moses speaks to the new generation of Israelites. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 16, 2013 Author Members Posted July 16, 2013 July 14, 2013 Deuteronomy 4:1-14 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 4:1-14: Moses challenges the new generation of Israelites to obey the LORD so they can go in and occupy the land the LORD promised to give them. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:2b [Moses said]: “Obey the commands of the LORD your God that I have given you.” Today’s Reading 1 Then Moses said to the people, Obey all the laws that I am teaching you, and you will live and occupy the land which the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. 2 Do not add anything to what I command you, and do not take anything away. Obey the commands of the LORD your God that I have given you. 3 You yourselves saw what the LORD did at Mount Peor. He destroyed everyone who worshiped Baal there, 4 but those of you who were faithful to the LORD your God are still alive today. 5 I have taught you all the laws, as the LORD my God told me to do. Obey them in the land that you are about to invade and occupy. 6 Obey them faithfully, and this will show the people of other nations how wise you are. When they hear of all these laws, they will say, “What wisdom and understanding this great nation has!” 7 No other nation, no matter how great, has a god who is so near when they need him as the LORD our God is to us. He answers us whenever we call for help. 8 No other nation, no matter how great, has laws so just as those that I have taught you today. 9 Be on your guard! Make certain that you do not forget, as long as you live, what you have seen with your own eyes. Tell your children and your grandchildren 10 about the day you stood in the presence of the LORD your God at Mount Sinai, when he said to me, “Assemble the people. I want them to hear what I have to say, so that they will learn to obey me as long as they live and so that they will teach their children to do the same.” 11 Tell your children how you went and stood at the foot of the mountain which was covered with thick clouds of dark smoke and fire blazing up to the sky. 12 Tell them how the LORD spoke to you from the fire, how you heard him speaking but did not see him in any form at all. 13 He told you what you must do to keep the covenant he made with you—you must obey the Ten Commandments, which he wrote on two stone tablets. 14 The LORD told me to teach you all the laws that you are to obey in the land that you are about to invade and occupy. Reflect What must the people of Israel do in order to occupy the land God promised to give them? What does Moses instruct the people to tell their children? How is the faith passed on to succeeding generations within your community of faith? Pray Almighty God, help me to remember your commandments and teach them to others so that everyone will know of your steadfast love and faithfulness and grow in the knowledge of you. Amen. Prayer Concern Children enrolled in Vacation Bible Schools Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 4:15-40: Moses warns the people not to worship idols. 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 16, 2013 Author Members Posted July 16, 2013 July 15, 2013 Deuteronomy 4:15-40 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 4:15-40: Moses warns the people to avoid idol worship and outlines the consequences if they make an idol in any form at all. He reminds them of God’s love and mercy if they turn to and obey the LORD. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:39 So remember today and never forget: the LORD is God in heaven and on earth. There is no other god. Today’s Reading 15 When the LORD spoke to you from the fire on Mount Sinai, you did not see any form. For your own good, then, make certain 16 that you do not sin by making for yourselves an idol in any form at all—whether man or woman, 17 animal or bird, 18 reptile or fish. 19 Do not be tempted to worship and serve what you see in the sky—the sun, the moon, and the stars. The LORD your God has given these to all other peoples for them to worship. 20 But you are the people he rescued from Egypt, that blazing furnace. He brought you out to make you his own people, as you are today. 21 Because of you the LORD your God was angry with me and solemnly declared that I would not cross the Jordan River to enter the fertile land which he is giving you. 22 I will die in this land and never cross the river, but you are about to go across and occupy that fertile land. 23 Be certain that you do not forget the covenant that the LORD your God made with you. Obey his command not to make yourselves any kind of idol, 24 because the LORD your God is like a flaming fire; he tolerates no rivals. 25 Even when you have been in the land a long time and have children and grandchildren, do not sin by making for yourselves an idol in any form at all. This is evil in the LORD's sight, and it will make him angry. 26 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that, if you disobey me, you will soon disappear from the land. You will not live very long in the land across the Jordan that you are about to occupy. You will be completely destroyed. 27 The LORD will scatter you among other nations, where only a few of you will survive. 28 There you will serve gods made by human hands, gods of wood and stone, gods that cannot see or hear, eat or smell. 29 There you will look for the LORD your God, and if you search for him with all your heart, you will find him. 30 When you are in trouble and all those things happen to you, then you will finally turn to the LORD and obey him. 31 He is a merciful God. He will not abandon you or destroy you, and he will not forget the covenant that he himself made with your ancestors. 32 Search the past, the time before you were born, all the way back to the time when God created human beings on the earth. Search the entire earth. Has anything as great as this ever happened before? Has anyone ever heard of anything like this? 33 Have any people ever lived after hearing a god speak to them from a fire, as you have? 34 Has any god ever dared to go and take a people from another nation and make them his own, as the LORD your God did for you in Egypt? Before your very eyes he used his great power and strength; he brought plagues and war, worked miracles and wonders, and caused terrifying things to happen. 35 The LORD has shown you this, to prove to you that he alone is God and that there is no other. 36 He let you hear his voice from heaven so that he could instruct you; and here on earth he let you see his holy fire, and he spoke to you from it. 37 Because he loved your ancestors, he chose you, and by his great power he himself brought you out of Egypt. 38 As you advanced, he drove out nations greater and more powerful than you, so that he might bring you in and give you their land, the land which still belongs to you. 39 So remember today and never forget: the LORD is God in heaven and on earth. There is no other god. 40 Obey all his laws that I have given you today, and all will go well with you and your descendants. You will continue to live in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to be yours forever. ” Reflect Israel’s LORD God was a living God, and no image or idol could be made that could represent God. What warnings did Moses give the people concerning idol worship? Reread verses 29-31. What do these verses teach you about God? Are there times when you do not put God first in your life? Pray Holy God, may I never forget that you alone are the Lord God. You rule in heaven and on earth. I worship you and praise your holy name. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who have forgotten God’s covenant Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 5:1-33: Moses reminds the people of the laws God gave them at Mount Sinai. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 16, 2013 Author Members Posted July 16, 2013 July 16, 2013 Deuteronomy 5:1-33 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 5:1-33: Today’s reading is part of Moses’ second speech and includes the heart of Israel’s religion—the Law that God gave to Moses and the people. Moses recounts God’s covenant with the Israelites and the commandments they were given at Mount Sinai. (A parallel account is in Exodus 20). Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:32b “Be sure that you do everything that the LORD your God has commanded you. Do not disobey any of his laws.” Today’s Reading 1 Moses called together all the people of Israel and said to them, “People of Israel, listen to all the laws that I am giving you today. Learn them and be sure that you obey them. 2 At Mount Sinai the LORD our God made a covenant, 3 not only with our fathers, but with all of us who are living today. 4 There on the mountain the LORD spoke to you face-to-face from the fire. 5 I stood between you and the LORD at that time to tell you what he said, because you were afraid of the fire and would not go up the mountain. The LORD said, 6 ‘I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from Egypt, where you were slaves. 7 Worship no god but me. 8 Do not make for yourselves images of anything in heaven or on earth or in the water under the earth. 9 Do not bow down to any idol or worship it, for I am the LORD your God and I tolerate no rivals. I bring punishment on those who hate me and on their descendants down to the third and fourth generation. 10 But I show my love to thousands of generations of those who love me and obey my laws. 11 Do not use my name for evil purposes, for I, the LORD your God, will punish anyone who misuses my name. 12 Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy, as I, the LORD your God, have commanded you. 13 You have six days in which to do your work, 14 but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to me. On that day no one is to work—neither you, your children, your slaves, your animals, nor the foreigners who live in your country. Your slaves must rest just as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and that I, the LORD your God, rescued you by my great power and strength. That is why I command you to observe the Sabbath. 16 Respect your father and your mother, as I, the LORD your God, command you, so that all may go well with you and so that you may live a long time in the land that I am giving you. 17 Do not commit murder. 18 Do not commit adultery. 19 Do not steal. 20 Do not accuse anyone falsely. 21 “Do not desire another man's wife; do not desire his house, his land, his slaves, his cattle, his donkeys, or anything else that he owns.” 22 These are the commandments the LORD gave to all of you when you were gathered at the mountain. When he spoke with a mighty voice from the fire and from the thick clouds, he gave these commandments and no others. Then he wrote them on two stone tablets and gave them to me. 23 When the whole mountain was on fire and you heard the voice from the darkness, your leaders and the chiefs of your tribes came to me 24 and said, The LORD our God showed us his greatness and his glory when we heard him speak from the fire! Today we have seen that it is possible for people to continue to live, even though God has spoken to them. 25 But why should we risk death again? That terrible fire will destroy us. We are sure to die if we hear the LORD our God speak again. 26 Has any human being ever lived after hearing the living God speak from a fire? 27 Go back, Moses, and listen to everything that the LORD our God says. Then return and tell us what he said to you. We will listen and obey. ’ 28 When the LORD heard this, he said to me, ‘I have heard what these people said, and they are right. 29 If only they would always feel this way! If only they would always honor me and obey all my commands, so that everything would go well with them and their descendants forever. 30 Go and tell them to return to their tents. 31 But you, Moses, stay here with me, and I will give you all my laws and commands. Teach them to the people, so that they will obey them in the land that I am giving them. ’ 32 People of Israel, be sure that you do everything that the LORD your God has commanded you. Do not disobey any of his laws. 33 Obey them all, so that everything will go well with you and so that you will continue to live in the land that you are going to occupy. Reflect Have you ever memorized the Ten Commandments? What role do they play in your life? Why is it important to obey God’s laws? Pray Lord God, keep me faithful and obedient to your will. I want to obey you and honor you always. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are learning the Ten Commandments Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 6:1-25: Moses tells the people the most important commandment. 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 17, 2013 Author Members Posted July 17, 2013 July 17, 2013 Deuteronomy 6:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 6:1-25: Deuteronomy contains two sets of rules. Those appearing in chapters 5—11 are more general and provide the basic laws that will be made more specific in the second set of rules found in chapters 12—26. In today’s reading, Moses tells the people that the LORD wants them to obey the rules in the Promised Land. He urges them to listen and obey, that they may become a strong nation. Then he shares the important commandment later underscored by Jesus: to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul and strength. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:7 Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working. Today’s Reading 1 These are all the laws that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you. Obey them in the land that you are about to enter and occupy. 2 As long as you live, you and your descendants are to honor the LORD your God and obey all his laws that I am giving you, so that you may live in that land a long time. 3 Listen to them, people of Israel, and obey them! Then all will go well with you, and you will become a mighty nation and live in that rich and fertile land, just as the LORD, the God of our ancestors, has promised. 4 Israel, remember this! The LORD —and the LORD alone—is our God. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 Never forget these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working. 8 Tie them on your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. 10 Just as the LORD your God promised your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he will give you a land with large and prosperous cities which you did not build. 11 The houses will be full of good things which you did not put in them, and there will be wells that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant. When the LORD brings you into this land and you have all you want to eat, 12 make certain that you do not forget the LORD who rescued you from Egypt, where you were slaves. 13 Honor the LORD your God, worship only him, and make your promises in his name alone. 14 Do not worship other gods, any of the gods of the peoples around you. 15 If you do worship other gods, the LORD's anger will come against you like fire and will destroy you completely, because the LORD your God, who is present with you, tolerates no rivals. 16 Do not put the LORD your God to the test, as you did at Massah. 17 Be sure that you obey all the laws that he has given you. 18 Do what the LORD says is right and good, and all will go well with you. You will be able to take possession of the fertile land that the LORD promised your ancestors, 19 and you will drive out your enemies, as he promised. 20 In times to come your children will ask you, ‘Why did the LORD our God command us to obey all these laws? ’ 21 Then tell them, ‘We were slaves of the king of Egypt, and the LORD rescued us by his great power. 22 With our own eyes we saw him work miracles and do terrifying things to the Egyptians and to their king and to all his officials. 23 He freed us from Egypt to bring us here and give us this land, as he had promised our ancestors he would. 24 Then the LORD our God commanded us to obey all these laws and to honor him. If we do, he will always watch over our nation and keep it prosperous. 25 If we faithfully obey everything that God has commanded us, he will be pleased with us. ’ Reflect What does Moses tell the people to do? Why are they told to write and discuss the laws over and over again? How might this kind of discipline impact their understanding and practice of the law? How might this discipline be helpful in your daily life? Pray Lord, the more I talk about you, the more deeply I can know you. Help me to keep your word at the front of my mind that I may deepen my faith and share it with others. Amen. Prayer Concern Church School teachers Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 7:1-26: The people belong 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 July 18, 2013 Author Members Posted July 18, 2013 July 18, 2013 Deuteronomy 7:1-26 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 7:1-26: Moses tells the people that the LORD will drive out the seven nations that are in the land the Israelites are to occupy. He reminds them of the LORD’s love and that they will be blessed if they obey God’s laws. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 7:12 “If you listen to these commands and obey them faithfully, then the LORD your God will continue to keep his covenant with you and will show you his constant love, as he promised your ancestors.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD your God will bring you into the land that you are going to occupy, and he will drive many nations out of it. As you advance, he will drive out seven nations larger and more powerful than you: the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 2 When the LORD your God places these people in your power and you defeat them, you must put them all to death. Do not make an alliance with them or show them any mercy. 3 Do not marry any of them, and do not let your children marry any of them, 4 because then they would lead your children away from the LORD to worship other gods. If that happens, the LORD will be angry with you and destroy you at once. 5 So then, tear down their altars, break their sacred stone pillars in pieces, cut down their symbols of the goddess Asherah, and burn their idols. 6 Do this because you belong to the LORD your God. From all the peoples on earth he chose you to be his own special people. 7 The LORD did not love you and choose you because you outnumbered other peoples; you were the smallest nation on earth. 8 But the LORD loved you and wanted to keep the promise that he made to your ancestors. That is why he saved you by his great might and set you free from slavery to the king of Egypt. 9 Remember that the LORD your God is the only God and that he is faithful. He will keep his covenant and show his constant love to a thousand generations of those who love him and obey his commands, 10 but he will not hesitate to punish those who hate him. 11 Now then, obey what you have been taught; obey all the laws that I have given you today. 12 If you listen to these commands and obey them faithfully, then the LORD your God will continue to keep his covenant with you and will show you his constant love, as he promised your ancestors. 13 He will love you and bless you, so that you will increase in number and have many children; he will bless your fields, so that you will have grain, wine, and olive oil; and he will bless you by giving you many cattle and sheep. He will give you all these blessings in the land that he promised your ancestors he would give to you. 14 No people in the world will be as richly blessed as you. None of you nor any of your livestock will be sterile. 15 The LORD will protect you from all sickness, and he will not bring on you any of the dreadful diseases that you experienced in Egypt, but he will bring them on all your enemies. 16 Destroy every nation that the LORD your God places in your power, and do not show them any mercy. Do not worship their gods, for that would be fatal. 17 Do not tell yourselves that these peoples outnumber you and that you cannot drive them out. 18 Do not be afraid of them; remember what the LORD your God did to the king of Egypt and to all his people. 19 Remember the terrible plagues that you saw with your own eyes, the miracles and wonders, and the great power and strength by which the LORD your God set you free. In the same way that he destroyed the Egyptians, he will destroy all these people that you now fear. 20 He will even cause panic among them and will destroy those who escape and go into hiding. 21 So do not be afraid of these people. The LORD your God is with you; he is a great God and one to be feared. 22 Little by little he will drive out these nations as you advance. You will not be able to destroy them all at once, for, if you did, the number of wild animals would increase and be a threat to you. 23 The LORD will put your enemies in your power and make them panic until they are destroyed. 24 He will put their kings in your power. You will kill them, and they will be forgotten. No one will be able to stop you; you will destroy everyone. 25 Burn their idols. Do not desire the silver or gold that is on them, and do not take it for yourselves. If you do, that will be fatal, because the LORD hates idolatry. 26 Do not bring any of these idols into your homes, or the same curse will be on you that is on them. You must hate and despise these idols, because they are under the LORD's curse. Reflect When the Israelites were preparing to occupy Canaan, they were told to defeat the people who occupied the land. Total destruction was intended in order to remove temptations that would cause the people to turn their backs on the LORD. Are there temptations today that cause people to turn away from God? Pray Sovereign God, may I never turn away from you. When temptations come my way, give me the strength and will to remain loyal to you, trusting in your constant love and care. Amen. Prayer Concern The ability to avoid temptation Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 8:1-20: Moses reminds the Israelites of the LORD’s care. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 20, 2013 Author Members Posted July 20, 2013 July 19, 2013 Deuteronomy 8:1-20 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 8:1-20: Moses reminds the people to guard against pride when they begin to enjoy the rich blessings that await them in Canaan and not to forget how the LORD saved them in the past. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:19a “Never forget the LORD your God or turn to other gods to worship and serve them.” Today’s Reading 1 Obey faithfully all the laws that I have given you today, so that you may live, increase in number, and occupy the land that the LORD promised to your ancestors. 2 Remember how the LORD your God led you on this long journey through the desert these past forty years, sending hardships to test you, so that he might know what you intended to do and whether you would obey his commands. 3 He made you go hungry, and then he gave you manna to eat, food that you and your ancestors had never eaten before. He did this to teach you that you must not depend on bread alone to sustain you, but on everything that the LORD says. 4 During these forty years your clothes have not worn out, nor have your feet swollen up. 5 Remember that the LORD your God corrects and punishes you just as parents discipline their children. 6 So then, do as the LORD has commanded you: live according to his laws and obey him. 7 The LORD your God is bringing you into a fertile land—a land that has rivers and springs, and underground streams gushing out into the valleys and hills; 8 a land that produces wheat and barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and honey. 9 There you will never go hungry or ever be in need. Its rocks have iron in them, and from its hills you can mine copper. 10 You will have all you want to eat, and you will give thanks to the LORD your God for the fertile land that he has given you. 11 Make certain that you do not forget the LORD your God; do not fail to obey any of his laws that I am giving you today. 12 When you have all you want to eat and have built good houses to live in 13 and when your cattle and sheep, your silver and gold, and all your other possessions have increased, 14 be sure that you do not become proud and forget the LORD your God who rescued you from Egypt, where you were slaves. 15 He led you through that vast and terrifying desert where there were poisonous snakes and scorpions. In that dry and waterless land he made water flow out of solid rock for you. 16 In the desert he gave you manna to eat, food that your ancestors had never eaten. He sent hardships on you to test you, so that in the end he could bless you with good things. 17 So then, you must never think that you have made yourselves wealthy by your own power and strength. 18 Remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to become rich. He does this because he is still faithful today to the covenant that he made with your ancestors. 19 Never forget the LORD your God or turn to other gods to worship and serve them. If you do, then I warn you today that you will certainly be destroyed. 20 If you do not obey the LORD, then you will be destroyed just like those nations that he is going to destroy as you advance. Reflect How did God care for the people throughout their forty years in the desert? What warning is given if the people fail to obey the LORD? Have you ever experienced consequences as a result of not acting according to the will of God? Pray Merciful and loving God, I thank and praise you for your constant love and care. Remind me never to forget that you are the source of all blessings. May all I say and do this day bring glory and honor to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Nomadic peoples Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 9:1-29: Moses reminds the Israelites of their disobedience. 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 20, 2013 Author Members Posted July 20, 2013 July 20, 2013 Deuteronomy 9:1-29 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 9:1-29: Today’s reading presents the reasons for the battle soon to take place when the Israelites enter Canaan. Moses again reminds the people of the consequences they will suffer if they rebel against God and how his intercessory prayers caused God to spare them when they sinned. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 9:18a “Then once again I lay face downward in the LORD’s presence for forty days and nights and did not eat or drink anything.” Today’s Reading 1 Listen, people of Israel! Today you are about to cross the Jordan River and occupy the land belonging to nations greater and more powerful than you. Their cities are large, with walls that reach the sky. 2 The people themselves are tall and strong; they are giants, and you have heard it said that no one can stand against them. 3 But now you will see for yourselves that the LORD your God will go ahead of you like a raging fire. He will defeat them as you advance, so that you will drive them out and destroy them quickly, as he promised. 4 After the LORD your God has driven them out for you, do not say to yourselves that he brought you in to possess this land because you deserved it. No, the LORD is going to drive these people out for you because they are wicked. 5 It is not because you are good and do what is right that the LORD is letting you take their land. He will drive them out because they are wicked and because he intends to keep the promise that he made to your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 6 You can be sure that the LORD is not giving you this fertile land because you deserve it. No, you are a stubborn people. 7 Never forget how you made the LORD your God angry in the desert. From the day that you left Egypt until the day you arrived here, you have rebelled against him. 8 Even at Mount Sinai you made the LORD angry—angry enough to destroy you. 9 I went up the mountain to receive the stone tablets on which was written the covenant that the LORD had made with you. I stayed there forty days and nights and did not eat or drink anything. 10 Then the LORD gave me the two stone tablets on which he had written with his own hand what he had said to you from the fire on the day that you were gathered there at the mountain. 11 Yes, after those forty days and nights the LORD gave me the two stone tablets on which he had written the covenant. 12 Then the LORD said to me, “Go down the mountain at once, because your people, whom you led out of Egypt, have become corrupt and have done evil. They have already turned away from what I commanded them to do, and they have made an idol for themselves.” 13 The LORD also said to me, ‘I know how stubborn these people are. 14 Don't try to stop me. I intend to destroy them so that no one will remember them any longer. Then I will make you the father of a nation larger and more powerful than they are. ’ 15 So I turned and went down the mountain, carrying the two stone tablets on which the covenant was written. Flames of fire were coming from the mountain. 16 I saw that you had already disobeyed the command that the LORD your God had given you, and that you had sinned against him by making yourselves a metal idol in the form of a bull-calf. 17 So there in front of you I threw the stone tablets down and broke them to pieces. 18 Then once again I lay face downward in the LORD's presence for forty days and nights and did not eat or drink anything. I did this because you had sinned against the LORD and had made him angry. 19 I was afraid of the LORD's fierce anger, because he was furious enough to destroy you; but once again the LORD listened to me. 20 The LORD was also angry enough with Aaron to kill him, so I prayed for Aaron at the same time. 21 I took that sinful thing that you had made—that metal bull-calf—and threw it into the fire. Then I broke it in pieces, ground it to dust, and threw the dust into the stream that flowed down the mountain. 22 You also made the LORD your God angry when you were at Taberah, Massah, and Kibroth Hattaavah. 23 And when he sent you from Kadesh Barnea with orders to go and take possession of the land that he was giving you, you rebelled against him; you did not trust him or obey him. 24 Ever since I have known you, you have rebelled against the LORD. 25 So I lay face downward in the LORD's presence those forty days and nights, because I knew that he was determined to destroy you. 26 And I prayed, ‘Sovereign LORD, don't destroy your own people, the people you rescued and brought out of Egypt by your great strength and power. 27 Remember your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and do not pay any attention to the stubbornness, wickedness, and sin of this people. 28 Otherwise, the Egyptians will say that you were unable to take your people into the land that you had promised them. They will say that you took your people out into the desert to kill them, because you hated them. 29 After all, these are the people whom you chose to be your own and whom you brought out of Egypt by your great power and might. ’ Reflect What reasons are given for the LORD’s driving out the occupants of Canaan? What is the promise that the LORD intends to keep? What caused God to become angry with the Israelites when they were in the desert? Today’s reading recalls Moses’ intercessory prayers and fasting that spared Israel from God’s anger (verses 15-29). What did he say to God? For whom will you be praying today? Pray God of love and steadfast promise, forgive me when I act in ways that that are not in keeping with your will. Teach me your ways and help me to obey your commands. Amen. Prayer Concern Those desiring intercessory prayer Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 10:1-22: Moses receives the second pair of tablets with the Ten Commandments. 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 21, 2013 Author Members Posted July 21, 2013 July 21, 2013 Deuteronomy 10:1-22 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 10:1-22: Today’s reading parallels the renewal of the covenant as recorded in Exodus 34. Moses is instructed to make the Covenant Box in which to place the tablets containing the Ten Commandments. The concluding verses outline the obedience that God demands. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:12b, 13a “Worship the LORD and do all that he commands. Love him, serve him with all your heart, and obey all his laws.” Today’s Reading 1 Then the LORD said to me, ‘Cut two stone tablets like the first ones and make a wooden Box to put them in. Come up to me on the mountain, 2 and I will write on those tablets what I wrote on the tablets that you broke, and then you are to put them in the Box. ’ 3 So I made a Box of acacia wood and cut two stone tablets like the first ones and took them up the mountain. 4 Then the LORD wrote on those tablets the same words that he had written the first time, the Ten Commandments that he gave you when he spoke from the fire on the day you were gathered at the mountain. The LORD gave me the tablets, 5 and I turned and went down the mountain. Then, just as the LORD had commanded, I put them in the Box that I had made—and they have been there ever since. ” ( 6 The Israelites set out from the wells that belonged to the people of Jaakan, and went to Moserah. There Aaron died and was buried, and his son Eleazar succeeded him as priest. 7 From there they went to Gudgodah and then on to Jotbathah, a well-watered place. 8 At that time the LORD appointed the men of the tribe of Levi to be in charge of the Covenant Box, to serve him as priests, and to pronounce blessings in his name. And these are still their duties. 9 That is why the tribe of Levi received no land as the other tribes did; what they received was the privilege of being the LORD's priests, as the LORD your God promised.) 10 “I stayed on the mountain forty days and nights, as I did the first time. The LORD listened to me once more and agreed not to destroy you. 11 Then he told me to go and lead you, so that you could take possession of the land that he had promised to give to your ancestors. 12 Now, people of Israel, listen to what the LORD your God demands of you: Worship the LORD and do all that he commands. Love him, serve him with all your heart, 13 and obey all his laws. I am giving them to you today for your benefit. 14 To the LORD belong even the highest heavens; the earth is his also, and everything on it. 15 But the LORD's love for your ancestors was so strong that he chose you instead of any other people, and you are still his chosen people. 16 So then, from now on be obedient to the LORD and stop being stubborn. 17 The LORD your God is supreme over all gods and over all powers. He is great and mighty, and he is to be obeyed. He does not show partiality, and he does not accept bribes. 18 He makes sure that orphans and widows are treated fairly; he loves the foreigners who live with our people, and gives them food and clothes. 19 So then, show love for those foreigners, because you were once foreigners in Egypt. 20 Have reverence for the LORD your God and worship only him. Be faithful to him and make your promises in his name alone. 21 Praise him—he is your God, and you have seen with your own eyes the great and astounding things that he has done for you. 22 When your ancestors went to Egypt, there were only seventy of them. But now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky. Reflect Reread verses 12-21. What does God demand? What do these verses teach you about God? In what ways do you demonstrate your reverence for God? Pray Sovereign God, teach me to do all that you command and keep me faithful. I promise to love and serve you with all my heart and to obey all your laws. You are my God and I praise you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking spiritual renewal Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 11:1-32: Moses instructs the people to teach God’s laws to their children. 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 23, 2013 Author Members Posted July 23, 2013 July 22, 2013 Deuteronomy 11:1-32 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 11:1-32: Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s greatness and that they will be blessed by obeying God’s laws. He instructs the people to teach God’s laws to their children. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:13b “Love the LORD your God and serve him with all your heart.” Today’s Reading 1 Love the LORD your God and always obey all his laws. 2 Remember today what you have learned about the LORD through your experiences with him. It was you, not your children, who had these experiences. You saw the LORD's greatness, his power, his might, 3 and his miracles. You saw what he did to the king of Egypt and to his entire country. 4 You saw how the LORD completely wiped out the Egyptian army, along with their horses and chariots, by drowning them in the Red Sea when they were pursuing you. 5 You know what the LORD did for you in the desert before you arrived here. 6 You recall what he did to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab of the tribe of Reuben. In the sight of everyone the earth opened up and swallowed them, along with their families, their tents, and all their servants and animals. 7 Yes, you are the ones who have seen all these great things that the LORD has done. 8 Obey everything that I have commanded you today. Then you will be able to cross the river and occupy the land that you are about to enter. 9 And you will live a long time in the rich and fertile land that the LORD promised to give your ancestors and their descendants. 10 The land that you are about to occupy is not like the land of Egypt, where you lived before. There, when you planted grain, you had to work hard to irrigate the fields; 11 but the land that you are about to enter is a land of mountains and valleys, a land watered by rain. 12 The LORD your God takes care of this land and watches over it throughout the year. 13 So then, obey the commands that I have given you today; love the LORD your God and serve him with all your heart. 14 If you do, he will send rain on your land when it is needed, in the autumn and in the spring, so that there will be grain, wine, and olive oil for you, 15 and grass for your livestock. You will have all the food you want. 16 Do not let yourselves be led away from the LORD to worship and serve other gods. 17 If you do, the LORD will become angry with you. He will hold back the rain, and your ground will become too dry for crops to grow. Then you will soon die there, even though it is a good land that he is giving you. 18 Remember these commands and cherish them. Tie them on your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder. 19 Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working. 20 Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. 21 Then you and your children will live a long time in the land that the LORD your God promised to give to your ancestors. You will live there as long as there is a sky above the earth. 22 Obey faithfully everything that I have commanded you: Love the LORD your God, do everything he commands, and be faithful to him. 23 Then he will drive out all those nations as you advance, and you will occupy the land belonging to nations greater and more powerful than you. 24 All the ground that you march over will be yours. Your territory will extend from the desert in the south to the Lebanon Mountains in the north, and from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 25 Wherever you go in that land, the LORD your God will make the people fear you, as he has promised, and no one will be able to stop you. 26 Today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse— 27 a blessing, if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today; 28 but a curse, if you disobey these commands and turn away to worship other gods that you have never worshiped before. 29 When the LORD brings you into the land that you are going to occupy, you are to proclaim the blessing from Mount Gerizim and the curse from Mount Ebal. ( 30 These two mountains are west of the Jordan River in the territory of the Canaanites who live in the Jordan Valley. They are toward the west, not far from the sacred trees of Moreh near the town of Gilgal.) 31 You are about to cross the Jordan River and occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you. When you take it and settle there, 32 be sure to obey all the laws that I am giving you today. Reflect What does Moses tell the people to remember (verses 1-7)? In what ways will the people be blessed? What are the consequences of disobedience? Moses reminds the people that God’s laws are to be taught to their children (verse 19). Within your community of faith or family, how are God’s teachings passed on to succeeding generations? Pray God of every generation, remind me daily of your laws and to cherish them always. Help me to live according to your teachings and to serve you with all my heart so that others may learn of your love and faithfulness. Amen. Prayer Concern Children who are home-schooled Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 12:1-28: How the people are to worship in the Promised Land 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 July 24, 2013 Author Members Posted July 24, 2013 July 23, 2013 Deuteronomy 12:1-28 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 12:1-28: Today’s reading begins a section in the book of Deuteronomy that contains a code of laws. This section continues through 26:19. In today’s reading, proper worship, including the offering of gifts, is described Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 12:26 Take to the one place of worship your offerings and the gifts that you have promised the LORD. Today’s Reading 1 Here are the laws that you are to obey as long as you live in the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Listen to them! 2 In the land that you are taking, destroy all the places where the people worship their gods on high mountains, on hills, and under green trees. 3 Tear down their altars and smash their sacred stone pillars to pieces. Burn their symbols of the goddess Asherah and chop down their idols, so that they will never again be worshiped at those places. 4 Do not worship the LORD your God in the way that these people worship their gods. 5 Out of the territory of all your tribes the LORD will choose the one place where the people are to come into his presence and worship him. 6 There you are to offer your sacrifices that are to be burned and your other sacrifices, your tithes and your offerings, the gifts that you promise to the LORD, your freewill offerings, and the first-born of your cattle and sheep. 7 There, in the presence of the LORD your God, who has blessed you, you and your families will eat and enjoy the good things that you have worked for. 8 When that time comes, you must not do as you have been doing. Until now you have all been worshiping as you please, 9 because you have not yet entered the land that the LORD your God is giving you, where you can live in peace. 10 When you cross the Jordan River, the LORD will let you occupy the land and live there. He will keep you safe from all your enemies, and you will live in peace. 11 The LORD will choose a single place where he is to be worshiped, and there you must bring to him everything that I have commanded: your sacrifices that are to be burned and your other sacrifices, your tithes and your offerings, and those special gifts that you have promised to the LORD. 12 Be joyful there in his presence, together with your children, your servants, and the Levites who live in your towns; remember that the Levites will have no land of their own. 13 You are not to offer your sacrifices wherever you choose; 14 you must offer them only in the one place that the LORD will choose in the territory of one of your tribes. Only there are you to offer your sacrifices that are to be burned and do all the other things that I have commanded you. 15 But you are free to kill and eat your animals wherever you live. You may eat as many as the LORD gives you. All of you, whether ritually clean or unclean, may eat them, just as you would eat the meat of deer or antelope. 16 But you must not eat their blood; you must pour it out on the ground like water. 17 Nothing that you offer to the LORD is to be eaten in the places where you live: neither the tithes of your grain, your wine, or your olive oil, nor the first-born of your cattle and sheep, the gifts that you promise to the LORD, your freewill offerings, or any other offerings. 18 You and your children, together with your servants and the Levites who live in your towns, are to eat these offerings only in the presence of the LORD your God, in the one place of worship chosen by the LORD your God. And you are to be happy there over everything that you have done. 19 Be sure, also, not to neglect the Levites, as long as you live in your land. 20 When the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as he has promised, you may eat meat whenever you want to. 21 If the one place of worship is too far away, then, whenever you wish, you may kill any of the cattle or sheep that the LORD has given you, and you may eat the meat at home, as I have told you. 22 Anyone, ritually clean or unclean, may eat that meat, just as he would eat the meat of deer or antelope. 23 Only do not eat meat with blood still in it, for the life is in the blood, and you must not eat the life with the meat. 24 Do not use the blood for food; instead, pour it out on the ground like water. 25 If you obey this command, the LORD will be pleased, and all will go well for you and your descendants. 26 Take to the one place of worship your offerings and the gifts that you have promised the LORD. 27 Offer there the sacrifices which are to be completely burned on the LORD's altar. Also offer those sacrifices in which you eat the meat and pour the blood out on the altar. 28 Obey faithfully everything that I have commanded you, and all will go well for you and your descendants forever, because you will be doing what is right and what pleases the LORD your God. Reflect In today’s reading, the people are instructed to offer to the LORD a tithe (one-tenth) of their harvest and the first-born of their livestock What other instructions for worship are given? What does God promise the people? What worship rituals take place within your community of faith? Pray Lord God, I worship you. Teach me to obey faithfully everything that you command and to do what is right. May all I do and say be pleasing to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Worship leaders Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 26:1-19: The tithing of harvest offerings 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 July 25, 2013 Author Members Posted July 25, 2013 July 24, 2013 Deuteronomy 26:1-19 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 26:1-19: Today’s reading brings to a close the formal law code found in the book of Deuteronomy by describing the offerings that are to be brought to the LORD. The chapter concludes with God’s promise that the people are to be God’s own. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:16 “Today the LORD your God commands you to obey all his laws; so obey them faithfully with all your heart.” Today’s Reading 1 After you have occupied the land that the LORD your God is giving you and have settled there, 2 each of you must place in a basket the first part of each crop that you harvest and you must take it with you to the one place of worship. 3 Go to the priest in charge at that time and say to him, ‘I now acknowledge to the LORD my God that I have entered the land that he promised our ancestors to give us. ’ 4 The priest will take the basket from you and place it before the altar of the LORD your God. 5 Then, in the LORD's presence you will recite these words: ‘My ancestor was a wandering Aramean, who took his family to Egypt to live. They were few in number when they went there, but they became a large and powerful nation. 6 The Egyptians treated us harshly and forced us to work as slaves. 7 Then we cried out for help to the LORD, the God of our ancestors. He heard us and saw our suffering, hardship, and misery. 8 By his great power and strength he rescued us from Egypt. He worked miracles and wonders, and caused terrifying things to happen. 9 He brought us here and gave us this rich and fertile land. 10 So now I bring to the LORD the first part of the harvest that he has given me. ’ Then set the basket down in the LORD's presence and worship there. 11 Be grateful for the good things that the LORD your God has given you and your family; and let the Levites and the foreigners who live among you join in the celebration. 12 Every third year give the tithe—a tenth of your crops—to the Levites, the foreigners, the orphans, and the widows, so that in every community they will have all they need to eat. When you have done this, 13 say to the LORD, ‘None of the sacred tithe is left in my house; I have given it to the Levites, the foreigners, the orphans, and the widows, as you commanded me to do. I have not disobeyed or forgotten any of your commands concerning the tithe. 14 I have not eaten any of it when I was mourning; I have not taken any of it out of my house when I was ritually unclean; and I have not given any of it as an offering for the dead. I have obeyed you, O LORD; I have done everything you commanded concerning the tithe. 15 Look down from your holy place in heaven and bless your people Israel; bless also the rich and fertile land that you have given us, as you promised our ancestors. ’ 16 Today the LORD your God commands you to obey all his laws; so obey them faithfully with all your heart. 17 Today you have acknowledged the LORD as your God; you have promised to obey him, to keep all his laws, and to do all that he commands. 18 Today the LORD has accepted you as his own people, as he promised you; and he commands you to obey all his laws. 19 He will make you greater than any other nation that he has created, and you will bring praise and honor to his name. You will be his own people, as he promised. ” Reflect Today’s reading concludes the presentation of the law that began with chapter 12. (Compare 26:16 with 12:1). Though chapters 12:1—26:15 strongly emphasize obeying the LORD, the final verses in today’s reading (16-19) also emphasize the people’s relationship with God. How is that relationship described? What is promised? How would you describe your relationship with God? Pray You, Lord God, are my God, and I offer myself in service to you. Thank you for calling me to live and serve among your people and for accepting me as one of your own. May all I say and do this day bring praise and honor to your holy name. Amen. Prayer Concern Migrant farm workers Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 28:1-14: The blessings of obedience are outlined. 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 26, 2013 Author Members Posted July 26, 2013 July 25, 2013 Deuteronomy 28:1-14 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 28:1-14: Today’s reading describes the blessings the people will receive if they obey God and faithfully keep his commands. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:9 If you obey the LORD your God and do everything he commands, he will make you his own people, as he has promised. Today’s Reading 1 If you obey the LORD your God and faithfully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, he will make you greater than any other nation on earth. 2 Obey the LORD your God and all these blessings will be yours: 3 The LORD will bless your towns and your fields. 4 The LORD will bless you with many children, with abundant crops, and with many cattle and sheep. 5 The LORD will bless your grain crops and the food you prepare from them. 6 The LORD will bless everything you do. 7 The LORD will defeat your enemies when they attack you. They will attack from one direction, but they will run from you in all directions. 8 The LORD your God will bless your work and fill your barns with grain. He will bless you in the land that he is giving you. 9 If you obey the LORD your God and do everything he commands, he will make you his own people, as he has promised. 10 Then all the peoples on earth will see that the LORD has chosen you to be his own people, and they will be afraid of you. 11 The LORD will give you many children, many cattle, and abundant crops in the land that he promised your ancestors to give you. 12 He will send rain in season from his rich storehouse in the sky and bless all your work, so that you will lend to many nations, but you will not have to borrow from any. 13 The LORD your God will make you the leader among the nations and not a follower; you will always prosper and never fail if you obey faithfully all his commands that I am giving you today. 14 But you must never disobey them in any way, or worship and serve other gods. Reflect The blessings outlined in today’s reading correspond to the consequences of disobedience listed later in the chapter in verses 15-44. Such blessings and consequences were often included in ancient treaties to assure that both sides would act according to the terms of the treaty. What does God promise in return for the people’s obedience? What does obeying the LORD’s commands mean to you? In what ways have you been blessed? Pray Lord God, I thank and praise you for the many ways you continue to bless me. Today I especially thank you for ____________________________________. Teach me to be faithful to your commands. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are tempted to disobey God’s commands. Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 30:1-20: Moses reminds the Israelites of the consequences of their decisions. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 27, 2013 Author Members Posted July 27, 2013 July 26, 2013 Deuteronomy 30:1-20 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Deuteronomy 30:1-20: The LORD God has promised the Israelites to be their God (26:18; 29:13), and they are to demonstrate that they are the LORD’s people by keeping the agreement God made with them. In today’s reading, Moses reminds the people that their decisions will have consequences. Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:20a “Love the LORD your God, obey him and be faithful to him.” Today’s Reading 1 I have now given you a choice between a blessing and a curse. When all these things have happened to you, and you are living among the nations where the LORD your God has scattered you, you will remember the choice I gave you. 2 If you and your descendants will turn back to the LORD and with all your heart obey his commands that I am giving you today, 3 then the LORD your God will have mercy on you. He will bring you back from the nations where he has scattered you, and he will make you prosperous again. 4 Even if you are scattered to the farthest corners of the earth, the LORD your God will gather you together and bring you back, 5 so that you may again take possession of the land where your ancestors once lived. And he will make you more prosperous and more numerous than your ancestors ever were. 6 The LORD your God will give you and your descendants obedient hearts, so that you will love him with all your heart, and you will continue to live in that land. 7 He will turn all these curses against your enemies, who hated you and oppressed you, 8 and you will again obey him and keep all his commands that I am giving you today. 9 The LORD will make you prosperous in all that you do; you will have many children and a lot of livestock, and your fields will produce abundant crops. He will be as glad to make you prosperous as he was to make your ancestors prosperous, 10 but you will have to obey him and keep all his laws that are written in this book of his teachings. You will have to turn to him with all your heart. 11 The command that I am giving you today is not too difficult or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in the sky. You do not have to ask, “Who will go up and bring it down for us, so that we can hear it and obey it?” 13 Nor is it on the other side of the ocean. You do not have to ask, “Who will go across the ocean and bring it to us, so that we may hear it and obey it?” 14 No, it is here with you. You know it and can quote it, so now obey it. 15 Today I am giving you a choice between good and evil, between life and death. 16 If you obey the commands of the LORD your God, which I give you today, if you love him, obey him, and keep all his laws, then you will prosper and become a nation of many people. The LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are about to occupy. 17 But if you disobey and refuse to listen, and are led away to worship other gods, 18 you will be destroyed—I warn you here and now. You will not live long in that land across the Jordan that you are about to occupy. 19 I am now giving you the choice between life and death, between God's blessing and God's curse, and I call heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Choose life. 20 Love the LORD your God, obey him and be faithful to him, and then you and your descendants will live long in the land that he promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. ” Reflect What are the choices Moses puts before the people? If they remain faithful, what blessings will they receive? What are the consequences of disobedience? Are you facing any difficult choices today? Pray Lord God, grant me an obedient heart. Teach me to love and serve you always. Whenever I am faced with difficult decisions, guide my thoughts so that the choices I make are in accord with your will. Thank you for all your blessings. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing difficult choices Tomorrow's Reading Hebrews 1:1—2:4: Jesus, God’s Son, was made greater than the angels. 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 27, 2013 Author Members Posted July 27, 2013 July 27, 2013 Hebrews 1:1—2:4 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Hebrews 1:1—2:4: The Letter to the Hebrews is a teaching sermon that is designed to help explain what the new Christian faith is all about. Today’s passage explains that the ancient prophets spoke God’s message to the people, but now God has sent Jesus to tell God’s message, achieve forgiveness for humanity’s sins, and rule over all creation forever. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 1:3a He reflects the brightness of God’s glory and is the exact likeness of God’s own being. Today’s Reading 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. He is the one through whom God created the universe, the one whom God has chosen to possess all things at the end. 3 He reflects the brightness of God's glory and is the exact likeness of God's own being, sustaining the universe with his powerful word. After achieving forgiveness for the sins of all human beings, he sat down in heaven at the right side of God, the Supreme Power. 4 The Son was made greater than the angels, just as the name that God gave him is greater than theirs. 5 For God never said to any of his angels, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” Nor did God say about any angel, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.” 6 But when God was about to send his first-born Son into the world, he said, “All of God's angels must worship him.” 7 But about the angels God said, “God makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire.” 8 About the Son, however, God said: “Your kingdom, O God, will last forever and ever! You rule over your people with justice. 9 You love what is right and hate what is wrong. That is why God, your God, has chosen you and has given you the joy of an honor far greater than he gave to your companions.” 10 He also said, “You, Lord, in the beginning created the earth, and with your own hands you made the heavens. 11 They will disappear, but you will remain; they will all wear out like clothes. 12 You will fold them up like a coat, and they will be changed like clothes. But you are always the same, and your life never ends.” 13 God never said to any of his angels: “Sit here at my right side until I put your enemies as a footstool under your feet.” 14 What are the angels, then? They are spirits who serve God and are sent by him to help those who are to receive salvation. 1 That is why we must hold on all the more firmly to the truths we have heard, so that we will not be carried away. 2 The message given to our ancestors by the angels was shown to be true, and those who did not follow it or obey it received the punishment they deserved. 3 How, then, shall we escape if we pay no attention to such a great salvation? The Lord himself first announced this salvation, and those who heard him proved to us that it is true. 4 At the same time God added his witness to theirs by performing all kinds of miracles and wonders and by distributing the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to his will. Reflect Today’s passage speaks of Jesus “achieving forgiveness for the sins of all human beings,” a reference to Christ as the High Priest (a theme that is treated extensively in Hebrews 9:1—10:18) and that he is in heaven, sitting “at the right side of God,” a traditional way of referring to the glorified Christ (see Psalm 110:1; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69). God has placed Jesus over all things, including the angels (verse 4). Reread verses 4-14. How is God’s Son described? Pray Lord Jesus, forgive me for the ways in which I have failed to live by your Word. Help me to listen when you speak, and fill me with life anew, that I may become your faithful servant. Amen. Prayer Concern Preachers Tomorrow's Reading Hebrews 3:1-19: Jesus is greater than Moses. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted July 28, 2013 Author Members Posted July 28, 2013 July 28, 2013 Hebrews 3:1-19 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Hebrews 3:1-19: The author explains that Jesus is greater than Moses. While Moses was a faithful servant and spoke to God’s people, Christ, God’s own Son, is in charge of God’s people. The chapter concludes with a warning about rebelling against God and a reminder to remain faithful in order to enter the place of rest. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 3:14 For we are all partners with Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at the beginning. Today’s Reading 1 My Christian friends, who also have been called by God! Think of Jesus, whom God sent to be the High Priest of the faith we profess. 2 He was faithful to God, who chose him to do this work, just as Moses was faithful in his work in God's house. 3 A man who builds a house receives more honor than the house itself. In the same way Jesus is worthy of much greater honor than Moses. 4 Every house, of course, is built by someone—and God is the one who has built all things. 5 Moses was faithful in God's house as a servant, and he spoke of the things that God would say in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son in charge of God's house. We are his house if we keep up our courage and our confidence in what we hope for. 7 So then, as the Holy Spirit says, “If you hear God's voice today, 8 do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God, as they were that day in the desert when they put him to the test. 9 There they put me to the test and tried me, says God, although they had seen what I did for forty years. 10 And so I was angry with those people and said, ‘They are always disloyal and refuse to obey my commands.’ 11 I was angry and made a solemn promise: “They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest!”” 12 My friends, be careful that none of you have a heart so evil and unbelieving that you will turn away from the living God. 13 Instead, in order that none of you be deceived by sin and become stubborn, you must help one another every day, as long as the word “Today” in the scripture applies to us. 14 For we are all partners with Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at the beginning. 15 This is what the scripture says: “If you hear God's voice today, do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God.” 16 Who were the people who heard God's voice and rebelled against him? All those who were led out of Egypt by Moses. 17 With whom was God angry for forty years? With the people who sinned, who fell down dead in the desert. 18 When God made his solemn promise, “They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest”—of whom was he speaking? Of those who rebelled. 19 We see, then, that they were not able to enter the land, because they did not believe. Reflect After escaping from Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the desert for many years and tested God by complaining and by disobeying God’s commands. The generation of Israelites that disobeyed God in the desert was not allowed to enter this place of rest. What warning is given in verse 15? What can Christians today learn from this lesson? Pray Lord God, thank you for inviting me to be among your holy people. I acknowledge that Jesus is my High Priest. Teach me to listen for your voice and to obey your commands. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are tempted to abandon their faith Tomorrow's Reading Hebrews 4:1-13: Promised rest is assured for all who believe. 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 29, 2013 Author Members Posted July 29, 2013 July 29, 2013 Hebrews 4:1-13 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Promise Introduction Hebrews 4:1-13: Today’s reading describes the rest that God has promised. That promised rest is compared to God’s resting from his work on the seventh day. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 4:3a We who believe, then, do receive that rest which God promised. Today’s Reading 1 Now, God has offered us the promise that we may receive that rest he spoke about. Let us take care, then, that none of you will be found to have failed to receive that promised rest. 2 For we have heard the Good News, just as they did. They heard the message, but it did them no good, because when they heard it, they did not accept it with faith. 3 We who believe, then, do receive that rest which God promised. It is just as he said, “I was angry and made a solemn promise: “They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest!”” 4 For somewhere in the Scriptures this is said about the seventh day: “God rested on the seventh day from all his work.” 5 This same matter is spoken of again: “They will never enter that land where I would have given them rest.” 6 Those who first heard the Good News did not receive that rest, because they did not believe. There are, then, others who are allowed to receive it. 7 This is shown by the fact that God sets another day, which is called “Today.” Many years later he spoke of it through David in the scripture already quoted: “If you hear God's voice today, do not be stubborn.” 8 If Joshua had given the people the rest that God had promised, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 As it is, however, there still remains for God's people a rest like God's resting on the seventh day. 10 For those who receive that rest which God promised will rest from their own work, just as God rested from his. 11 Let us, then, do our best to receive that rest, so that no one of us will fail as they did because of their lack of faith. 12 The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. 13 There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves. Reflect God has provided a place of rest in heaven where those who have faith in Christ will live with God forever. How do you imagine this place of rest? What does accepting the Good News with faith mean to you? Pray Lord Jesus, I am reminded of the many ways in which I find my rest in you. Thank you for your love and grace. Make me your faithful servant until I come to eternal rest. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who will enter into eternal rest this day Tomorrow's Reading Hebrews 4:14—5:14: Jesus is our great High Priest. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.