Members phkrause Posted March 27, 2010 Author Members Posted March 27, 2010 Psalm 84 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer Introduction Psalm 84: Today's reading is a psalm that expresses yearning for God's dwelling place-the Temple. It describes the Temple as a place of joy and protection, and celebrates the happiness of those who worship God there. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 84:10a One day spent in your Temple is better than a thousand anywhere else. Today’s Reading 1How I love your Temple, LORD Almighty! 2How I want to be there! I long to be in the LORD's Temple. With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God. 3Even the sparrows have built a nest, and the swallows have their own home; they keep their young near your altars, 4How happy are those who live in your Temple, always singing praise to you. 5How happy are those whose strength comes from you, who are eager to make the pilgrimage to Mount Zion. 6As they pass through the dry valley of Baca, it becomes a place of springs; the autumn rain fills it with pools. 7They grow stronger as they go; they will see the God of gods on Zion. 8Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty. Listen, O God of Jacob! 9Bless our king, O God, the king you have chosen. 10One day spent in your Temple is better than a thousand anywhere else; I would rather stand at the gate of the house of my God than live in the homes of the wicked. 11The LORD is our protector and glorious king, blessing us with kindness and honor. He does not refuse any good thing to those who do what is right. 12LORD Almighty, how happy are those who trust in you! Reflect This psalm is a traveling song, likely sung by ancient Israelites as they traveled from areas far and wide to the Temple in Jerusalem. The travel conditions were difficult-there were rugged deserts, hilly country, dust, and the threat of attackers. What might it have been like to go on such a pilgrimage? How might a song like this have strengthened the people on their journey? Pray Lord, how I long to be in your presence. With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God! Lord Almighty, you are my king and my God. I am so happy that my strength comes from you. Amen. Prayer Concern Travelers pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 28, 2010 Author Members Posted March 28, 2010 Luke 19:28-48 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer Introduction Luke 19:28-48: Today we begin the story of Jesus' final week in Jerusalem. After a long journey, Jesus is finally ready to enter the city. He knows that he must face his enemies in order to fulfill God's plan. Before he is arrested and put on trial, he has a few days to teach in the Temple and to prepare his disciples for what will happen after he is condemned to death. Today’s Scripture: Luke 19:38 "God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory to God!" Today’s Reading 28After Jesus said this, he went on in front of them toward Jerusalem. 29As he came near Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead 30with these instructions: “Go to the village there ahead of you; as you go in, you will find a colt tied up that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If someone asks you why you are untying it, tell him that the Master needs it. ” 32They went on their way and found everything just as Jesus had told them. 33As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying it?” 34“The Master needs it,” they answered, 35and they took the colt to Jesus. Then they threw their cloaks over the animal and helped Jesus get on. 36As he rode on, people spread their cloaks on the road. 37When he came near Jerusalem, at the place where the road went down the Mount of Olives, the large crowd of his disciples began to thank God and praise him in loud voices for all the great things that they had seen: 38“God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory to God!” 39Then some of the Pharisees in the crowd spoke to Jesus. “Teacher,” they said, “command your disciples to be quiet!” 40Jesus answered, “I tell you that if they keep quiet, the stones themselves will start shouting.” 41He came closer to the city, and when he saw it, he wept over it, 42saying, “If you only knew today what is needed for peace! But now you cannot see it! 43The time will come when your enemies will surround you with barricades, blockade you, and close in on you from every side. 44They will completely destroy you and the people within your walls; not a single stone will they leave in its place, because you did not recognize the time when God came to save you! ” 45Then Jesus went into the Temple and began to drive out the merchants, 46saying to them, “It is written in the Scriptures that God said, “My Temple will be a house of prayer.” But you have turned it into a hideout for thieves! ” 47Every day Jesus taught in the Temple. The chief priests, the teachers of the Law, and the leaders of the people wanted to kill him, 48but they could not find a way to do it, because all the people kept listening to him, not wanting to miss a single word. Reflect Reread 19:41-44. Why did Jesus weep over Jerusalem, according to this passage? Jesus' predictions came true. In 70 A.D., the Romans put down a Jewish revolt in Jerusalem. In the process, they destroyed many of the city walls and ruined the temple. What parts of the world struggle to see their need for peace today? Pray God of Peace, too often we fail to recognize what we need for peace. Fill your people with understanding and wisdom that we may live into your vision for peace and justice throughout the world. Amen. Prayer Concern Victims of terrorism pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 29, 2010 Author Members Posted March 29, 2010 Luke 20:1-18 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer Introduction Luke 20:1-18: In today's passage, Jesus is teaching in the temple when some leaders question his authority. They try to outsmart each other with their words. Then Jesus tells a parable about tenants in a vineyard that alludes to Jesus' crucifixion. Today’s Scripture: Luke 20:17b "The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all." Today’s Reading 1One day when Jesus was in the Temple teaching the people and preaching the Good News, the chief priests and the teachers of the Law, together with the elders, came 2and said to him, “Tell us, what right do you have to do these things? Who gave you such right?” 3Jesus answered them, “Now let me ask you a question. Tell me, 4did John's right to baptize come from God or from human beings? ” 5They started to argue among themselves, “What shall we say? If we say, “From God,” he will say, “Why, then, did you not believe John?” 6But if we say, “From human beings,” this whole crowd here will stone us, because they are convinced that John was a prophet. ” 7So they answered, “We don't know where it came from.” 8And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you, then, by what right I do these things.” 9Then Jesus told the people this parable: “There was once a man who planted a vineyard, rented it out to tenants, and then left home for a long time. 10When the time came to gather the grapes, he sent a slave to the tenants to receive from them his share of the harvest. But the tenants beat the slave and sent him back without a thing. 11So he sent another slave; but the tenants beat him also, treated him shamefully, and sent him back without a thing. 12Then he sent a third slave; the tenants wounded him, too, and threw him out. 13Then the owner of the vineyard said, “What shall I do? I will send my own dear son; surely they will respect him!” 14But when the tenants saw him, they said to one another, “This is the owner's son. Let's kill him, and his property will be ours!” 15So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. “What, then, will the owner of the vineyard do to the tenants?” Jesus asked. 16“He will come and kill those men, and turn the vineyard over to other tenants.” When the people heard this, they said, “Surely not!” 17Jesus looked at them and asked, What, then, does this scripture mean? ‘The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all.’ 18Everyone who falls on that stone will be cut to pieces; and if that stone falls on someone, that person will be crushed to dust. ” Reflect The chief priests and teachers of the law had the most to lose if the people accepted Jesus and his teachings. Jesus challenged their authority and power, which made them mad enough to want to kill him. What would it mean to challenge authority for the sake of justice in your world? Pray God of Justice, too often I hesitate to speak your truth for fear of challenging those in power. Grant me wisdom to know when I need to stand up for justice, and courage to speak your truth in love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who work for peace and reconciliation pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 31, 2010 Author Members Posted March 31, 2010 Luke 20:19-47 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer Introduction Luke 20:19-47: Jesus' enemies continue to watch him, looking for an opportunity to arrest him. They hire people to try to trick him into speaking against the emperor. But Jesus recognizes the trap and avoids it. Then he teaches about resurrection and the Messiah, and gives warnings against the teachers of the Law. Today’s Scripture: Luke 20:25 Jesus said, "Well, then, pay to the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay to God what belongs to God." Today’s Reading 19The teachers of the Law and the chief priests tried to arrest Jesus on the spot, because they knew that he had told this parable against them; but they were afraid of the people. 20So they looked for an opportunity. They bribed some men to pretend they were sincere, and they sent them to trap Jesus with questions, so that they could hand him over to the authority and power of the Roman Governor. 21These spies said to Jesus, “Teacher, we know that what you say and teach is right. We know that you pay no attention to anyone's status, but teach the truth about God's will for people. 22Tell us, is it against our Law for us to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor, or not? ” 23But Jesus saw through their trick and said to them, 24“Show me a silver coin. Whose face and name are these on it?” “The Emperor's,” they answered. 25So Jesus said, “Well, then, pay to the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay to God what belongs to God.” 26There before the people they could not catch him in a thing, so they kept quiet, amazed at his answer. 27Then some Sadducees, who say that people will not rise from death, came to Jesus and said, 28“Teacher, Moses wrote this law for us: “If a man dies and leaves a wife but no children, that man's brother must marry the widow so that they can have children who will be considered the dead man's children.” 29Once there were seven brothers; the oldest got married and died without having children. 30Then the second one married the woman, 31and then the third. The same thing happened to all seven—they died without having children. 32Last of all, the woman died. 33Now, on the day when the dead rise to life, whose wife will she be? All seven of them had married her. ” 34Jesus answered them, “The men and women of this age marry, 35but the men and women who are worthy to rise from death and live in the age to come will not then marry. 36They will be like angels and cannot die. They are the children of God, because they have risen from death. 37And Moses clearly proves that the dead are raised to life. In the passage about the burning bush he speaks of the Lord as “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” 38He is the God of the living, not of the dead, for to him all are alive. ” 39Some of the teachers of the Law spoke up, “A good answer, Teacher!” 40For they did not dare ask him any more questions. 41Jesus asked them, “How can it be said that the Messiah will be the descendant of David? 42For David himself says in the book of Psalms, ‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit here at my right side 43until I put your enemies as a footstool under your feet.’ 44David called him “Lord”; how, then, can the Messiah be David's descendant? ” 45As all the people listened to him, Jesus said to his disciples, 46“Be on your guard against the teachers of the Law, who like to walk around in their long robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplace; who choose the reserved seats in the synagogues and the best places at feasts; 47who take advantage of widows and rob them of their homes, and then make a show of saying long prayers! Their punishment will be all the worse! ” Reflect In Jesus' time, Judea was part of the Roman Empire, so the people in Judea had to pay taxes to the Roman government. The highest Roman leader was called the emperor, and he ruled from Rome. What do you think Jesus meant by the statement, "pay to the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay to God what belongs to God" (20:25)? Pray Creator God, all that we have comes from you. Empower the leaders of nations to be wise stewards of your creation, that future generations may know your goodness and abundance. Amen. Prayer Concern Over consumption of the earth's resources pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 1, 2010 Author Members Posted April 1, 2010 Luke 22:1-38 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Turning to God in Prayer Introduction Luke 22:1-38: During the Festival of Unleavened Bread (Passover), some of the chief priests and teachers of the Law plot to arrest Jesus. Jesus is betrayed by his disciple Judas after Jesus and the other disciples share a Passover meal. Today’s Scripture: Luke 22:26b The greatest one among you must be like the youngest, and the leader must be like the servant. Today’s Reading 1The time was near for the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover. 2The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were afraid of the people, and so they were trying to find a way of putting Jesus to death secretly. 3Then Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples. 4So Judas went off and spoke with the chief priests and the officers of the Temple guard about how he could betray Jesus to them. 5They were pleased and offered to pay him money. 6Judas agreed to it and started looking for a good chance to hand Jesus over to them without the people knowing about it. 7The day came during the Festival of Unleavened Bread when the lambs for the Passover meal were to be killed. 8Jesus sent Peter and John with these instructions: “Go and get the Passover meal ready for us to eat.” 9“Where do you want us to get it ready?” they asked him. 10He answered, “As you go into the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters, 11and say to the owner of the house: “The Teacher says to you, Where is the room where my disciples and I will eat the Passover meal?” 12He will show you a large furnished room upstairs, where you will get everything ready. ” 13They went off and found everything just as Jesus had told them, and they prepared the Passover meal. 14When the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table with the apostles. 15He said to them, “I have wanted so much to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer! 16For I tell you, I will never eat it until it is given its full meaning in the Kingdom of God. ” 17Then Jesus took a cup, gave thanks to God, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. 18I tell you that from now on I will not drink this wine until the Kingdom of God comes. ” 19Then he took a piece of bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.” 20In the same way, he gave them the cup after the supper, saying, “This cup is God's new covenant sealed with my blood, which is poured out for you. 21But, look! The one who betrays me is here at the table with me! 22The Son of Man will die as God has decided, but how terrible for that man who betrays him! ” 23Then they began to ask among themselves which one of them it could be who was going to do this. 24An argument broke out among the disciples as to which one of them should be thought of as the greatest. 25Jesus said to them, “The kings of the pagans have power over their people, and the rulers claim the title “Friends of the People.” 26But this is not the way it is with you; rather, the greatest one among you must be like the youngest, and the leader must be like the servant. 27Who is greater, the one who sits down to eat or the one who serves? The one who sits down, of course. But I am among you as one who serves. 28You have stayed with me all through my trials; 29and just as my Father has given me the right to rule, so I will give you the same right. 30You will eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom, and you will sit on thrones to rule over the twelve tribes of Israel. 31Simon, Simon! Listen! Satan has received permission to test all of you, to separate the good from the bad, as a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you turn back to me, you must strengthen your brothers. ” 33Peter answered, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you and to die with you!” 34“I tell you, Peter,” Jesus said, “the rooster will not crow tonight until you have said three times that you do not know me.” 35Then Jesus asked his disciples, “When I sent you out that time without purse, bag, or shoes, did you lack anything?” “Not a thing,” they answered. 36“But now,” Jesus said, “whoever has a purse or a bag must take it; and whoever does not have a sword must sell his coat and buy one. 37For I tell you that the scripture which says, “He shared the fate of criminals,” must come true about me, because what was written about me is coming true. ” 38The disciples said, “Look! Here are two swords, Lord!” “That is enough!” he replied. Reflect Reread 22:24-30. How did Jesus settle the argument among the disciples who were discussing which one of them was the greatest? Think of situations today where people want to be considered "the best." What can we learn from Jesus' teachings about power and service? Pray Lord Jesus, sometimes I get consumed with the desire to be "number one." Make me humble, Lord. Keep me mindful of my call to be an instrument of God's glory rather than my own. Amen. Prayer Concern All who seek humility pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 2, 2010 Author Members Posted April 2, 2010 Luke 22:39-71 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction Luke 22:39-71: Jesus prays, knowing that he will have to suffer. Judas betrays him with a kiss. Jesus is arrested and questioned by the council. Meanwhile, Peter denies that he knows Jesus, just as Jesus had predicted. Today’s Scripture: Luke 22:42 "Father," he said, "if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me. Not my will, however, but your will be done." Today’s Reading 39Jesus left the city and went, as he usually did, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples went with him. 40When he arrived at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41Then he went off from them about the distance of a stone's throw and knelt down and prayed. 42“Father,” he said, “if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me. Not my will, however, but your will be done.” 43An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44In great anguish he prayed even more fervently; his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45Rising from his prayer, he went back to the disciples and found them asleep, worn out by their grief. 46He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 47Jesus was still speaking when a crowd arrived, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. He came up to Jesus to kiss him. 48But Jesus said, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you betray the Son of Man?” 49When the disciples who were with Jesus saw what was going to happen, they asked, “Shall we use our swords, Lord?” 50And one of them struck the High Priest's slave and cut off his right ear. 51But Jesus said, “Enough of this!” He touched the man's ear and healed him. 52Then Jesus said to the chief priests and the officers of the Temple guard and the elders who had come there to get him, “Did you have to come with swords and clubs, as though I were an outlaw? 53I was with you in the Temple every day, and you did not try to arrest me. But this is your hour to act, when the power of darkness rules. ” 54They arrested Jesus and took him away into the house of the High Priest; and Peter followed at a distance. 55A fire had been lit in the center of the courtyard, and Peter joined those who were sitting around it. 56When one of the servant women saw him sitting there at the fire, she looked straight at him and said, “This man too was with Jesus!” 57But Peter denied it, “Woman, I don't even know him!” 58After a little while a man noticed Peter and said, “You are one of them, too!” But Peter answered, “Man, I am not!” 59And about an hour later another man insisted strongly, “There isn't any doubt that this man was with Jesus, because he also is a Galilean!” 60But Peter answered, “Man, I don't know what you are talking about!” At once, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61The Lord turned around and looked straight at Peter, and Peter remembered that the Lord had said to him, “Before the rooster crows tonight, you will say three times that you do not know me.” 62Peter went out and wept bitterly. 63The men who were guarding Jesus made fun of him and beat him. 64They blindfolded him and asked him, “Who hit you? Guess!” 65And they said many other insulting things to him. 66When day came, the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law met together, and Jesus was brought before the Council. 67“Tell us,” they said, “are you the Messiah?” He answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me; 68and if I ask you a question, you will not answer. 69But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right side of Almighty God. ” 70They all said, “Are you, then, the Son of God?” He answered them, “You say that I am.” 71And they said, “We don't need any witnesses! We ourselves have heard what he said!” Reflect Reread verses 54-62. What promise did Peter make to Jesus? Why wasn't he able to keep his promise? How did he feel after he denied Jesus? What does it mean to deny Jesus? How does this kind of denial take place in today's world? Pray Lord Jesus, there are times when I have denied you. Help me find ways to claim and share your presence in my life, that I may share the good news of your grace. In your name, Amen. Prayer Concern Those who deny Christ pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 3, 2010 Author Members Posted April 3, 2010 Luke 23:1-49 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction Luke 23:1-49: The council leaders take Jesus to Pilate for questioning, and the chief priests bring charges against him. He refuses to answer the charges. The crowd calls for his crucifixion. Jesus is tortured, mocked and nailed to a cross. At noon, the sky turns dark. Three hours later, Jesus calls out to God and then dies. Today’s Scripture: Luke 23:34a Jesus said, "Forgive them, Father! They don't know what they are doing." Today’s Reading 1The whole group rose up and took Jesus before Pilate, 2where they began to accuse him: “We caught this man misleading our people, telling them not to pay taxes to the Emperor and claiming that he himself is the Messiah, a king.” 3Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “So you say,” answered Jesus. 4Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no reason to condemn this man.” 5But they insisted even more strongly, “With his teaching he is starting a riot among the people all through Judea. He began in Galilee and now has come here.” 6When Pilate heard this, he asked, “Is this man a Galilean?” 7When he learned that Jesus was from the region ruled by Herod, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. 8Herod was very pleased when he saw Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been wanting to see him for a long time. He was hoping to see Jesus perform some miracle. 9So Herod asked Jesus many questions, but Jesus made no answer. 10The chief priests and the teachers of the Law stepped forward and made strong accusations against Jesus. 11Herod and his soldiers made fun of Jesus and treated him with contempt; then they put a fine robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. 12On that very day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this they had been enemies. 13Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, 14and said to them, “You brought this man to me and said that he was misleading the people. Now, I have examined him here in your presence, and I have not found him guilty of any of the crimes you accuse him of. 15Nor did Herod find him guilty, for he sent him back to us. There is nothing this man has done to deserve death. 16So I will have him whipped and let him go. ” 18The whole crowd cried out, “Kill him! Set Barabbas free for us!” ( 19Barabbas had been put in prison for a riot that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) 20Pilate wanted to set Jesus free, so he appealed to the crowd again. 21But they shouted back, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” 22Pilate said to them the third time, “But what crime has he committed? I cannot find anything he has done to deserve death! I will have him whipped and set him free.” 23But they kept on shouting at the top of their voices that Jesus should be crucified, and finally their shouting succeeded. 24So Pilate passed the sentence on Jesus that they were asking for. 25He set free the man they wanted, the one who had been put in prison for riot and murder, and he handed Jesus over for them to do as they wished. 26The soldiers led Jesus away, and as they were going, they met a man from Cyrene named Simon who was coming into the city from the country. They seized him, put the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27A large crowd of people followed him; among them were some women who were weeping and wailing for him. 28Jesus turned to them and said, “Women of Jerusalem! Don't cry for me, but for yourselves and your children. 29For the days are coming when people will say, “How lucky are the women who never had children, who never bore babies, who never nursed them!” 30That will be the time when people will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Hide us!” 31For if such things as these are done when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry? ” 32Two other men, both of them criminals, were also led out to be put to death with Jesus. 33When they came to the place called “The Skull,” they crucified Jesus there, and the two criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. 34Jesus said, “Forgive them, Father! They don't know what they are doing.” They divided his clothes among themselves by throwing dice. 35The people stood there watching while the Jewish leaders made fun of him: “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah whom God has chosen!” 36The soldiers also made fun of him: they came up to him and offered him cheap wine, 37and said, “Save yourself if you are the king of the Jews!” 38Above him were written these words: “This is the King of the Jews.” 39One of the criminals hanging there hurled insults at him: “Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40The other one, however, rebuked him, saying, “Don't you fear God? You received the same sentence he did. 41Ours, however, is only right, because we are getting what we deserve for what we did; but he has done no wrong. ” 42And he said to Jesus, “Remember me, Jesus, when you come as King!” 43Jesus said to him, “I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me.” 44-45It was about twelve o'clock when the sun stopped shining and darkness covered the whole country until three o'clock; and the curtain hanging in the Temple was torn in two. 46Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father! In your hands I place my spirit!” He said this and died. 47The army officer saw what had happened, and he praised God, saying, “Certainly he was a good man!” 48When the people who had gathered there to watch the spectacle saw what happened, they all went back home, beating their breasts in sorrow. 49All those who knew Jesus personally, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance to watch. Reflect Reread versus 34-35. Jesus asked God to forgive his enemies while he was on the cross. Why is it difficult to forgive those who hurt or ridicule us? What gets in the way of your seeking forgiveness and forgiving others? Whom do you need to forgive? From whom do you need to ask forgiveness? Pray Gracious God, too many times, my pride has gotten in the way of my desire to forgive others. And too often, my pride has kept me from seeking forgiveness. Humble me, Lord. Open my heart and mind, that I may reconcile my relationships with others and with you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need of forgiveness pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 3, 2010 Author Members Posted April 3, 2010 Luke 23:50-56 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction Luke 23:50-56: Joseph of Arimathea asks for and receives the body of Jesus. He takes the body down from the cross, wraps it in linen, and places it in a tomb. The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee visit the tomb and prepare the spices and perfumes for the body. Then they observe the Sabbath. Today’s Scripture: Luke 23:50 There was a man named Joseph from Arimathea, a town in Judea. He was a good and honorable man, who was waiting for the coming of the Kingdom of God. Today’s Reading 50-51There was a man named Joseph from Arimathea, a town in Judea. He was a good and honorable man, who was waiting for the coming of the Kingdom of God. Although he was a member of the Council, he had not agreed with their decision and action. 52He went into the presence of Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53Then he took the body down, wrapped it in a linen sheet, and placed it in a tomb which had been dug out of solid rock and which had never been used. 54It was Friday, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee went with Joseph and saw the tomb and how Jesus' body was placed in it. 56Then they went back home and prepared the spices and perfumes for the body. On the Sabbath they rested, as the Law commanded. Reflect Joseph from Arimathea came from a small village in the hilly area called Ephraim, which was about twenty miles northwest of Jerusalem. He was a respected member of the Jewish council, so he risked his reputation by helping give Jesus a proper burial. What might have given Joseph the courage to retrieve Jesus' body? What gives you courage to stand for your beliefs? Pray Courageous Lord, you faced death on a cross to share God's grace with all people. Grant me the courage to live in faith and bring your peace and justice to the world. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need of courage pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 5, 2010 Author Members Posted April 5, 2010 Luke 24:1-12 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction Luke 24:1-12: The women discover that Jesus has risen from the dead. They go to tell the apostles, but the apostles dismiss their claims. Yet when Peter runs to the tomb, he sees only Jesus' clothes lying there, and wonders what happened. Today’s Scripture: Luke 24:5b, 6a "Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? He is not here; he has been raised." Today’s Reading 1Very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, carrying the spices they had prepared. 2They found the stone rolled away from the entrance to the tomb, 3so they went in; but they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4They stood there puzzled about this, when suddenly two men in bright shining clothes stood by them. 5Full of fear, the women bowed down to the ground, as the men said to them, “Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? 6He is not here; he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was in Galilee: 7“The Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and three days later rise to life.” ” 8Then the women remembered his words, 9returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven disciples and all the rest. 10The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James; they and the other women with them told these things to the apostles. 11But the apostles thought that what the women said was nonsense, and they did not believe them. 12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; he bent down and saw the grave cloths but nothing else. Then he went back home amazed at what had happened. Reflect How did the disciples react to what they were told by the women who had gone to the tomb? Why do you think they reacted that way? Do you find the women's story to be believable? Why or why not? Pray Jesus Christ, today we celebrate the good news of your resurrection! You amaze us with your mystery, wonder and grace. Give me faith and wisdom, that I may understand and experience your abundant love. Alleluia! You are risen! You are risen indeed! Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking Christ pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 5, 2010 Author Members Posted April 5, 2010 Luke 24:13-35 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction Luke 24:13-35: Two disciples meet Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Not recognizing him, they tell him the story of what has happened. After sharing a meal with him, they realize he is Jesus raised from the dead. Then they go to share this good news with others. Today’s Scripture: Luke 24:32 They said to each other, "Wasn't it like a fire burning in us when he talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" Today’s Reading 13On that same day two of Jesus' followers were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14and they were talking to each other about all the things that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed, Jesus himself drew near and walked along with them; 16they saw him, but somehow did not recognize him. 17Jesus said to them, “What are you talking about to each other, as you walk along?” They stood still, with sad faces. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn't know the things that have been happening there these last few days?” 19“What things?” he asked. “The things that happened to Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “This man was a prophet and was considered by God and by all the people to be powerful in everything he said and did. 20Our chief priests and rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and he was crucified. 21And we had hoped that he would be the one who was going to set Israel free! Besides all that, this is now the third day since it happened. 22Some of the women of our group surprised us; they went at dawn to the tomb, 23but could not find his body. They came back saying they had seen a vision of angels who told them that he is alive. 24Some of our group went to the tomb and found it exactly as the women had said, but they did not see him. ” 25Then Jesus said to them, “How foolish you are, how slow you are to believe everything the prophets said! 26Was it not necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and then to enter his glory? ” 27And Jesus explained to them what was said about himself in all the Scriptures, beginning with the books of Moses and the writings of all the prophets. 28As they came near the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther; 29but they held him back, saying, “Stay with us; the day is almost over and it is getting dark.” So he went in to stay with them. 30He sat down to eat with them, took the bread, and said the blessing; then he broke the bread and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32They said to each other, “Wasn't it like a fire burning in us when he talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 33They got up at once and went back to Jerusalem, where they found the eleven disciples gathered together with the others 34and saying, “The Lord is risen indeed! He has appeared to Simon!” 35The two then explained to them what had happened on the road, and how they had recognized the Lord when he broke the bread. Reflect Why didn't the two disciples who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus recognize him right away? At what point do they recognize him? Why? How does one recognize Jesus today? Pray Lord Jesus, you are always in our midst: in the warm breeze, in the smile of a stranger, in the hands of those who work for justice, in arms outstretched in love. Forgive me for the times when I fail to recognize you. Heighten my awareness to your presence, that I may stay attuned to your way. Amen. Prayer Concern Learning to become a disciple pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 7, 2010 Author Members Posted April 7, 2010 Luke 24:36-53 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction Luke 24:36-53: As the disciples discuss all that has happened, Jesus appears to them, and they get scared. Jesus shows them he is present and they are amazed. They share a meal together. Then he explains the Scriptures foretelling his resurrection. He blesses them and returns to heaven. Today’s Scripture: Luke 24:49 "And I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised. But you must wait in the city until the power from above comes down upon you." Today’s Reading 36While the two were telling them this, suddenly the Lord himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37They were terrified, thinking that they were seeing a ghost. 38But he said to them, “Why are you alarmed? Why are these doubts coming up in your minds? 39Look at my hands and my feet, and see that it is I myself. Feel me, and you will know, for a ghost doesn't have flesh and bones, as you can see I have. ” 40He said this and showed them his hands and his feet. 41They still could not believe, they were so full of joy and wonder; so he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42They gave him a piece of cooked fish, 43which he took and ate in their presence. 44Then he said to them, “These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets, and the Psalms had to come true.” 45Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46and said to them, “This is what is written: the Messiah must suffer and must rise from death three days later, 47and in his name the message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49And I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised. But you must wait in the city until the power from above comes down upon you. ” 50Then he led them out of the city as far as Bethany, where he raised his hands and blessed them. 51As he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up into heaven. 52They worshiped him and went back into Jerusalem, filled with great joy, 53and spent all their time in the Temple giving thanks to God. Reflect How do the disciples respond when Jesus appears to them? Jesus shows them his wounded hands and feet so that they will know it is indeed he. What might that experience have been like for the disciples? What does Jesus promise will happen in the future? Pray Holy One, even when we know you, you still surprise us. Thank you for the ways in which you are present with your disciples today. Give us courage to place our full trust in you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are hospitalized pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 8, 2010 Author Members Posted April 8, 2010 Romans 3:19-31 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction Romans 3:19-31: Today we begin a series of readings from Paul's letter to the Romans. In this passage, Paul makes it clear that no one can be acceptable to God by following the Law, since all fall short of this high goal. That is why God sent Jesus to forgive and free all who trust in him. Today’s Scripture: Romans 3:24 But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. Today’s Reading 19Now we know that everything in the Law applies to those who live under the Law, in order to stop all human excuses and bring the whole world under God's judgment. 20For no one is put right in God's sight by doing what the Law requires; what the Law does is to make us know that we have sinned. 21But now God's way of putting people right with himself has been revealed. It has nothing to do with law, even though the Law of Moses and the prophets gave their witness to it. 22God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. God does this to all who believe in Christ, because there is no difference at all: 23everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence. 24But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. 25-26God offered him, so that by his blood he should become the means by which people's sins are forgiven through their faith in him. God did this in order to demonstrate that he is righteous. In the past he was patient and overlooked people's sins; but in the present time he deals with their sins, in order to demonstrate his righteousness. In this way God shows that he himself is righteous and that he puts right everyone who believes in Jesus. 27What, then, can we boast about? Nothing! And what is the reason for this? Is it that we obey the Law? No, but that we believe. 28For we conclude that a person is put right with God only through faith, and not by doing what the Law commands. 29Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles also? Of course he is. 30God is one, and he will put the Jews right with himself on the basis of their faith, and will put the Gentiles right through their faith. 31Does this mean that by this faith we do away with the Law? No, not at all; instead, we uphold the Law. Reflect According to Paul, what is the real purpose of the Law? If following the Law is not the way to be saved or accepted by God, what is? Does this mean that the Law is useless or should be thrown out? Why or why not? Pray Holy God, thank you for your gift of grace. Forgive me for the times when I have failed to live according to your will. Make me a disciple of Jesus that I may serve as Christ's hands in the world. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who help the homeless pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 9, 2010 Author Members Posted April 9, 2010 Romans 4:1-12 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction Romans 4:1-12: Paul argues that God accepted Abraham because Abraham had faith. He says that while we can earn money by working, there is nothing we can do to earn God's grace. He notes that God's blessings are available for both circumcised and uncircumcised people-in other words, both Jews and Gentiles. Today’s Scripture: Romans 4:3 "Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous." Today’s Reading 1What shall we say, then, of Abraham, the father of our race? What was his experience? 2If he was put right with God by the things he did, he would have something to boast about—but not in God's sight. 3The scripture says, “Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” 4A person who works is paid wages, but they are not regarded as a gift; they are something that has been earned. 5But those who depend on faith, not on deeds, and who believe in the God who declares the guilty to be innocent, it is this faith that God takes into account in order to put them right with himself. 6This is what David meant when he spoke of the happiness of the person whom God accepts as righteous, apart from anything that person does: 7“Happy are those whose wrongs are forgiven, whose sins are pardoned! 8Happy is the person whose sins the Lord will not keep account of” 9Does this happiness that David spoke of belong only to those who are circumcised? No indeed! It belongs also to those who are not circumcised. For we have quoted the scripture, “Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” 10When did this take place? Was it before or after Abraham was circumcised? It was before, not after. 11He was circumcised later, and his circumcision was a sign to show that because of his faith God had accepted him as righteous before he had been circumcised. And so Abraham is the spiritual father of all who believe in God and are accepted as righteous by him, even though they are not circumcised. 12He is also the father of those who are circumcised, that is, of those who, in addition to being circumcised, also live the same life of faith that our father Abraham lived before he was circumcised. Reflect Reread verse 11-12. Paul says that no matter what nation a person comes from, that person can be a descendant of Abraham through faith in God. This means that God's grace is available to all. What are the implications of this for today? Pray God of All, our world is fractured with social, political and religious difference. May your grace pervade all nations that we may find new ways of caring for, understanding, and respecting one another. In your name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern International relations pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 10, 2010 Author Members Posted April 10, 2010 Romans 4:13-25 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction Romans 4:13-25: Paul says that God's promise of grace is for all who have faith. He goes on to reiterate that God promised Abraham would be the ancestor of many nations. People from all nations come into Abraham's family through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than by following the Law. Today’s Scripture: Romans 4:25 Because of our sins he was given over to die, and he was raised to life in order to put us right with God. Today’s Reading 13When God promised Abraham and his descendants that the world would belong to him, he did so, not because Abraham obeyed the Law, but because he believed and was accepted as righteous by God. 14For if what God promises is to be given to those who obey the Law, then faith means nothing and God's promise is worthless. 15The Law brings down God's anger; but where there is no law, there is no disobeying of the law. 16And so the promise was based on faith, in order that the promise should be guaranteed as God's free gift to all of Abraham's descendants—not just to those who obey the Law, but also to those who believe as Abraham did. For Abraham is the spiritual father of us all; 17as the scripture says, “I have made you father of many nations.” So the promise is good in the sight of God, in whom Abraham believed—the God who brings the dead to life and whose command brings into being what did not exist. 18Abraham believed and hoped, even when there was no reason for hoping, and so became “the father of many nations.” Just as the scripture says, “Your descendants will be as many as the stars.” 19He was then almost one hundred years old; but his faith did not weaken when he thought of his body, which was already practically dead, or of the fact that Sarah could not have children. 20His faith did not leave him, and he did not doubt God's promise; his faith filled him with power, and he gave praise to God. 21He was absolutely sure that God would be able to do what he had promised. 22That is why Abraham, through faith, “was accepted as righteous by God.” 23The words “he was accepted as righteous” were not written for him alone. 24They were written also for us who are to be accepted as righteous, who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from death. 25Because of our sins he was given over to die, and he was raised to life in order to put us right with God. Reflect Paul argues that God's grace is available for all. What has been your experience of God's grace? What does it mean to accept God's grace in your life? How has God's grace worked in your life? What can you do to share God's grace with others? Pray Lord of love, I am grateful for the ways in which you have shared your grace with me. Make me a faithful and effective disciple, that others may know your grace through my words and actions. Amen. Prayer Concern Children pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 10, 2010 Author Members Posted April 10, 2010 Romans 5:1-11 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction Romans 5:1-11: Paul begins explaining what it means to live in the new life of faith, which includes the promise that God's Holy Spirit will be present in the lives of Jesus' followers. Today’s Scripture: Romans 5:11 We rejoice because of what God has done through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has now made us God's friends. Today’s Reading 1Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2He has brought us by faith into this experience of God's grace, in which we now live. And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God's glory! 3We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, 4endurance brings God's approval, and his approval creates hope. 5This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to us. 6For when we were still helpless, Christ died for the wicked at the time that God chose. 7It is a difficult thing for someone to die for a righteous person. It may even be that someone might dare to die for a good person. 8But God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! 9By his blood we are now put right with God; how much more, then, will we be saved by him from God's anger! 10We were God's enemies, but he made us his friends through the death of his Son. Now that we are God's friends, how much more will we be saved by Christ's life! 11But that is not all; we rejoice because of what God has done through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has now made us God's friends. Reflect Reread verse 2. This verse reflects on "God's grace." This phrase is translated from the Greek word charis. What does the word "grace" mean to you? Pray God of Grace, you share your gift of charis with all people. Make me a channel of your grace and hope, that everyone I encounter may have a taste of the good news of the risen Christ. Amen. Prayer Concern War-torn countries pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 11, 2010 Author Members Posted April 11, 2010 Romans 5:12-21 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction Romans 5:12-21: In this passage, Paul provides his interpretation of the meaning of human sin and Christ's death and resurrection. He contrasts Adam's disobedience with Jesus' obedience. Adam broke the relationship between humans and God. Christ healed that broken relationship so that through faith and grace, all may share in the glory of God. Today’s Scripture: Romans 5:21 So then, just as sin ruled by means of death, so also God's grace rules by means of righteousness, leading us to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Today’s Reading 12Sin came into the world through one man, and his sin brought death with it. As a result, death has spread to the whole human race because everyone has sinned. 13There was sin in the world before the Law was given; but where there is no law, no account is kept of sins. 14But from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, death ruled over all human beings, even over those who did not sin in the same way that Adam did when he disobeyed God's command. Adam was a figure of the one who was to come. 15But the two are not the same, because God's free gift is not like Adam's sin. It is true that many people died because of the sin of that one man. But God's grace is much greater, and so is his free gift to so many people through the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ. 16And there is a difference between God's gift and the sin of one man. After the one sin, came the judgment of “Guilty”; but after so many sins, comes the undeserved gift of “Not guilty!” 17It is true that through the sin of one man death began to rule because of that one man. But how much greater is the result of what was done by the one man, Jesus Christ! All who receive God's abundant grace and are freely put right with him will rule in life through Christ. 18So then, as the one sin condemned all people, in the same way the one righteous act sets all people free and gives them life. 19And just as all people were made sinners as the result of the disobedience of one man, in the same way they will all be put right with God as the result of the obedience of the one man. 20Law was introduced in order to increase wrongdoing; but where sin increased, God's grace increased much more. 21So then, just as sin ruled by means of death, so also God's grace rules by means of righteousness, leading us to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Reflect Reread verse 14. God chose to give the Law to Moses many generations after the time of Adam. Paul wants to show that people were unfaithful to God even before God had given the Law to Moses. According to Paul, one of the chief functions of the Law was to show people how broken they are and how much they need God's forgiveness and restoration. How do you know that you need God's forgiveness and restoration? Pray Forgiving God, the ways of the world reveal the brokenness of humanity. Your people struggle amid corruption, violence, greed and degradation. Too often I am complicit in systems that oppress others. Show me the way to do good works in our complicated and troubled world. Amen. Prayer Concern Those without health insurance pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 13, 2010 Author Members Posted April 13, 2010 Romans 6:1-14 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction Romans 6:1-14: In today's passage, Paul says that all who share in Christ's baptism also share in his death and resurrection. This means that through baptism, we die to sin and are raised to new life. Paul also reminds his readers to dedicate their bodies to God rather than allowing them to fall into sin. Today’s Scripture: Romans 6:8 Since we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Today’s Reading 1What shall we say, then? Should we continue to live in sin so that God's grace will increase? 2Certainly not! We have died to sin—how then can we go on living in it? 3For surely you know that when we were baptized into union with Christ Jesus, we were baptized into union with his death. 4By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life. 5For since we have become one with him in dying as he did, in the same way we shall be one with him by being raised to life as he was. 6And we know that our old being has been put to death with Christ on his cross, in order that the power of the sinful self might be destroyed, so that we should no longer be the slaves of sin. 7For when we die, we are set free from the power of sin. 8Since we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9For we know that Christ has been raised from death and will never die again—death will no longer rule over him. 10And so, because he died, sin has no power over him; and now he lives his life in fellowship with God. 11In the same way you are to think of yourselves as dead, so far as sin is concerned, but living in fellowship with God through Christ Jesus. 12Sin must no longer rule in your mortal bodies, so that you obey the desires of your natural self. 13Nor must you surrender any part of yourselves to sin to be used for wicked purposes. Instead, give yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life, and surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes. 14Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law but under God's grace. Reflect Reread verses 6-11. Paul often talks about the old life of sin and the new life in Christ. Here he is saying that for those who are baptized and trust in Jesus, their old lives of sin died with Jesus when he was put to death on the cross. Those who die with Christ will also be raised to life and live with him, which means they will have eternal life. What does this mean to you? Pray Lord Jesus, thank you for sharing the hope for new life with us. Bless all your people this day that they may experience your hope and grace anew. In your holy name, Amen. Prayer Concern Earthquake survivors pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 14, 2010 Author Members Posted April 14, 2010 Romans 6:15-23 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction Romans 6:15-23: In today's reading, Paul says that we must be slaves not to sin, but to righteousness. He discusses the ways in which God's transforming love allows people to commit their lives to God and be released from sinful ways. Today’s Scripture: Romans 6:22 But now you have been set free from sin and are the slaves of God. Your gain is a life fully dedicated to him, and the result is eternal life. Today’s Reading 15What, then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law but under God's grace? By no means! 16Surely you know that when you surrender yourselves as slaves to obey someone, you are in fact the slaves of the master you obey—either of sin, which results in death, or of obedience, which results in being put right with God. 17But thanks be to God! For though at one time you were slaves to sin, you have obeyed with all your heart the truths found in the teaching you received. 18You were set free from sin and became the slaves of righteousness. 19(I use everyday language because of the weakness of your natural selves.) At one time you surrendered yourselves entirely as slaves to impurity and wickedness for wicked purposes. In the same way you must now surrender yourselves entirely as slaves of righteousness for holy purposes. 20When you were the slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. 21What did you gain from doing the things that you are now ashamed of The result of those things is death! 22But now you have been set free from sin and are the slaves of God. Your gain is a life fully dedicated to him, and the result is eternal life. 23For sin pays its wage—death; but God's free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord. Reflect Slaves were common in Paul's society. They were expected to obey their masters without question. Paul reminds the followers in Rome that, until they trusted in Christ, they were slaves to sin. But now that God has accepted them and shown them undeserved kindness, they are to serve God. What would it mean for you to become a "slave for righteousness?" Pray Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer, your way leads to life. Turn my heart toward you, that I may commit my life to your peace, your justice, and your truth. Make me your faithful servant that I may share your way with others. Amen. Prayer Concern People working in sweatshops pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 14, 2010 Author Members Posted April 14, 2010 1 Corinthians 15:1-34 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction 1 Corinthians 15:1-34: Today we begin reading excerpts from Paul's letters to the people of Corinth where he gives his most detailed teaching about the Christian hope for life after death. He says that God's people will be raised to new life, just as God raised Jesus from death. When this happens, he says that earthly bodies will be changed into eternal or spiritual bodies. Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20 But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death, as the guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised. Today’s Reading 1And now I want to remind you, my friends, of the Good News which I preached to you, which you received, and on which your faith stands firm. 2That is the gospel, the message that I preached to you. You are saved by the gospel if you hold firmly to it—unless it was for nothing that you believed. 3I passed on to you what I received, which is of the greatest importance: that Christ died for our sins, as written in the Scriptures; 4that he was buried and that he was raised to life three days later, as written in the Scriptures; 5that he appeared to Peter and then to all twelve apostles. 6Then he appeared to more than five hundred of his followers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have died. 7Then he appeared to James, and afterward to all the apostles. 8Last of all he appeared also to me—even though I am like someone whose birth was abnormal. 9For I am the least of all the apostles—I do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God's church. 10But by God's grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God's grace working with me. 11So then, whether it came from me or from them, this is what we all preach, and this is what you believe. 12Now, since our message is that Christ has been raised from death, how can some of you say that the dead will not be raised to life? 13If that is true, it means that Christ was not raised; 14and if Christ has not been raised from death, then we have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe. 15More than that, we are shown to be lying about God, because we said that he raised Christ from death—but if it is true that the dead are not raised to life, then he did not raise Christ. 16For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised. 17And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is a delusion and you are still lost in your sins. 18It would also mean that the believers in Christ who have died are lost. 19If our hope in Christ is good for this life only and no more, then we deserve more pity than anyone else in all the world. 20But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death, as the guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised. 21For just as death came by means of a man, in the same way the rising from death comes by means of a man. 22For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ. 23But each one will be raised in proper order: Christ, first of all; then, at the time of his coming, those who belong to him. 24Then the end will come; Christ will overcome all spiritual rulers, authorities, and powers, and will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father. 25For Christ must rule until God defeats all enemies and puts them under his feet. 26The last enemy to be defeated will be death. 27For the scripture says, “God put all things under his feet. ” It is clear, of course, that the words “all things” do not include God himself, who puts all things under Christ. 28But when all things have been placed under Christ's rule, then he himself, the Son, will place himself under God, who placed all things under him; and God will rule completely over all. 29Now, what about those people who are baptized for the dead? What do they hope to accomplish? If it is true, as some claim, that the dead are not raised to life, why are those people being baptized for the dead? 30And as for us—why would we run the risk of danger every hour? 31My friends, I face death every day! The pride I have in you, in our life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord, makes me declare this. 32If I have, as it were, fought “wild beasts” here in Ephesus simply from human motives, what have I gained? But if the dead are not raised to life, then, as the saying goes, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will die.” 33Do not be fooled. “Bad companions ruin good character.” 34Come back to your right senses and stop your sinful ways. I declare to your shame that some of you do not know God. Reflect Some people were being baptized on behalf of friends or relatives who had died before being baptized into the Christian faith. Paul says that such baptizing is not necessary. What is the message that Paul says has the power to "save?" What is Paul referring to when he says "we have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe" (verse14)? Why does Paul say he is "like someone whose birth was abnormal" (verse 8)? Pray Gracious God, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Make me ever mindful of his death and resurrection, trusting in your presence through my struggles and in your promise of new life. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing terminal illness pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 16, 2010 Author Members Posted April 16, 2010 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction 1 Corinthians 15:35-58: The Corinthians had sent a letter to Paul asking him a number of questions. In this passage, Paul responds to the question, "How can the dead be raised to life? What kind of body will they have?" (15:35). Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:52b For when the trumpet sounds, the dead will be raised, never to die again, and we shall all be changed. Today’s Reading 35Someone will ask, “How can the dead be raised to life? What kind of body will they have?” 36You fool! When you plant a seed in the ground, it does not sprout to life unless it dies. 37And what you plant is a bare seed, perhaps a grain of wheat or some other grain, not the full-bodied plant that will later grow up. 38God provides that seed with the body he wishes; he gives each seed its own proper body. 39And the flesh of living beings is not all the same kind of flesh; human beings have one kind of flesh, animals another, birds another, and fish another. 40And there are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies; the beauty that belongs to heavenly bodies is different from the beauty that belongs to earthly bodies. 41The sun has its own beauty, the moon another beauty, and the stars a different beauty; and even among stars there are different kinds of beauty. 42This is how it will be when the dead are raised to life. When the body is buried, it is mortal; when raised, it will be immortal. 43When buried, it is ugly and weak; when raised, it will be beautiful and strong. 44When buried, it is a physical body; when raised, it will be a spiritual body. There is, of course, a physical body, so there has to be a spiritual body. 45For the scripture says, “The first man, Adam, was created a living being”; but the last Adam is the life-giving Spirit. 46It is not the spiritual that comes first, but the physical, and then the spiritual. 47The first Adam, made of earth, came from the earth; the second Adam came from heaven. 48Those who belong to the earth are like the one who was made of earth; those who are of heaven are like the one who came from heaven. 49Just as we wear the likeness of the man made of earth, so we will wear the likeness of the Man from heaven. 50What I mean, friends, is that what is made of flesh and blood cannot share in God's Kingdom, and what is mortal cannot possess immortality. 51-52Listen to this secret truth: we shall not all die, but when the last trumpet sounds, we shall all be changed in an instant, as quickly as the blinking of an eye. For when the trumpet sounds, the dead will be raised, never to die again, and we shall all be changed. 53For what is mortal must be changed into what is immortal; what will die must be changed into what cannot die. 54So when this takes place, and the mortal has been changed into the immortal, then the scripture will come true: “Death is destroyed; victory is complete!” 55“Where, Death, is your victory? Where, Death, is your power to hurt?” 56Death gets its power to hurt from sin, and sin gets its power from the Law. 57But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58So then, my dear friends, stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless. Reflect Paul teaches that those who are raised to life from death will have a completely new body. This is different from a popular belief in Paul's day that death would release the soul from the body. How can the hope of being raised to new life with Christ and living with God forever make a difference for people living today? Pray Holy God, we yearn to experience a taste of your realm here on earth, even as we look toward eternal life with you. May my work this day help to bring a glimpse of heaven to this present world even as I wait for your future glory. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who struggle to pay their taxes pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 17, 2010 Author Members Posted April 17, 2010 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction 2 Corinthians 1:1-11: Paul begins his second letter to the Corinthians with a formal introduction that names him and Timothy as the ones sending the letter and God's people in Corinth and Achaia as the ones receiving it. This greeting is followed by Paul's thanksgiving prayer to God for comfort in times of great suffering. Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:4 He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God. Today’s Reading 1From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, and from our brother Timothy— To the church of God in Corinth, and to all God's people throughout Achaia: 2May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 3Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes! 4He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God. 5Just as we have a share in Christ's many sufferings, so also through Christ we share in God's great help. 6If we suffer, it is for your help and salvation; if we are helped, then you too are helped and given the strength to endure with patience the same sufferings that we also endure. 7So our hope in you is never shaken; we know that just as you share in our sufferings, you also share in the help we receive. 8We want to remind you, friends, of the trouble we had in the province of Asia. The burdens laid upon us were so great and so heavy that we gave up all hope of staying alive. 9We felt that the death sentence had been passed on us. But this happened so that we should rely, not on ourselves, but only on God, who raises the dead. 10From such terrible dangers of death he saved us, and will save us; and we have placed our hope in him that he will save us again, 11as you help us by means of your prayers for us. So it will be that the many prayers for us will be answered, and God will bless us; and many will raise their voices to him in thanksgiving for us. Reflect Reread verse 8. At the time of Paul, Asia was the name of a Roman province in the southwest part of what is now Turkey. Paul does not explain what kind of suffering he had experienced in Ephesus, but it probably included torture and the threat of death. What kind of suffering do you see in the world today? How is God present amid great suffering? Pray Loving God, whenever and wherever your people suffer, you suffer with them. Empower your followers to rid this world of suffering, that through your love and justice, we may see your kingdom. Amen. Prayer Concern All who are suffering pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 17, 2010 Author Members Posted April 17, 2010 2 Corinthians 2:5-17 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction 2 Corinthians 2:5-17: In today's passage, Paul addresses a particular situation in which one person had been attacking Paul and his teaching. The followers in Corinth had publicly pointed out the wrong things this person had said. Paul encourages the Corinthians to forgive this person. Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14b God uses us to make the knowledge about Christ spread everywhere like a sweet fragrance. Today’s Reading 5Now, if anyone has made somebody sad, he has not done it to me but to all of you—in part, at least. (I say this because I do not want to be too hard on him.) 6It is enough that this person has been punished in this way by most of you. 7Now, however, you should forgive him and encourage him, in order to keep him from becoming so sad as to give up completely. 8And so I beg you to let him know that you really do love him. 9I wrote you that letter because I wanted to find out how well you had stood the test and whether you are always ready to obey my instructions. 10When you forgive people for what they have done, I forgive them too. For when I forgive—if, indeed, I need to forgive anything—I do it in Christ's presence because of you, 11in order to keep Satan from getting the upper hand over us; for we know what his plans are. 12When I arrived in Troas to preach the Good News about Christ, I found that the Lord had opened the way for the work there. 13But I was deeply worried, because I could not find our brother Titus. So I said good-bye to the people there and went on to Macedonia. 14But thanks be to God! For in union with Christ we are always led by God as prisoners in Christ's victory procession. God uses us to make the knowledge about Christ spread everywhere like a sweet fragrance. 15For we are like a sweet-smelling incense offered by Christ to God, which spreads among those who are being saved and those who are being lost. 16For those who are being lost, it is a deadly stench that kills; but for those who are being saved, it is a fragrance that brings life. Who, then, is capable for such a task? 17We are not like so many others, who handle God's message as if it were cheap merchandise; but because God has sent us, we speak with sincerity in his presence, as servants of Christ. Reflect Have you ever experienced a situation in which one person disagreed with other members of a group? How did the group respond? How did you feel in that situation? How might have you responded in light of this passage? Pray Forgiving God, it can be so difficult to tolerate and forgive those with whom I have differences. Forgive me for the times when I have failed to forgive others. Make me mindful of Paul's witness today. Amen. Prayer Concern Divided churches pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 20, 2010 Author Members Posted April 20, 2010 2 Corinthians 3:1-18 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction 2 Corinthians 3:1-18: Paul says that the Corinthians are like a letter from Christ, sharing the good news of the Gospel with others. He discusses Moses, whose face shone with God's glory. Yet following God's command, he wore a veil over his face. In contrast, followers of Christ are given the opportunity to see God's glory in full. Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18 All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory. Today’s Reading 1Does this sound as if we were again boasting about ourselves? Could it be that, like some other people, we need letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2You yourselves are the letter we have, written on our hearts for everyone to know and read. 3It is clear that Christ himself wrote this letter and sent it by us. It is written, not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, and not on stone tablets but on human hearts. 4We say this because we have confidence in God through Christ. 5There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work. The capacity we have comes from God; 6it is he who made us capable of serving the new covenant, which consists not of a written law but of the Spirit. The written law brings death, but the Spirit gives life. 7The Law was carved in letters on stone tablets, and God's glory appeared when it was given. Even though the brightness on Moses' face was fading, it was so strong that the people of Israel could not keep their eyes fixed on him. If the Law, which brings death when it is in force, came with such glory, 8how much greater is the glory that belongs to the activity of the Spirit! 9The system which brings condemnation was glorious; how much more glorious is the activity which brings salvation! 10We may say that because of the far brighter glory now the glory that was so bright in the past is gone. 11For if there was glory in that which lasted for a while, how much more glory is there in that which lasts forever! 12Because we have this hope, we are very bold. 13We are not like Moses, who had to put a veil over his face so that the people of Israel would not see the brightness fade and disappear. 14Their minds, indeed, were closed; and to this very day their minds are covered with the same veil as they read the books of the old covenant. The veil is removed only when a person is joined to Christ. 15Even today, whenever they read the Law of Moses, the veil still covers their minds. 16But it can be removed, as the scripture says about Moses: “His veil was removed when he turned to the Lord.” 17Now, “the Lord” in this passage is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom. 18All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory. Reflect Reread versus 15-16. When Paul refers to a veil covering the minds of people who read the Law of Moses, he means that the people of Israel did not understand the true purpose of the Law. Paul says this covering can only be removed when people interpret the Law by faith in Jesus as the Christ. What does this passage mean for people today? Pray Loving God, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Where your Spirit is present, there is indeed freedom. May I reflect the glory of your transforming Spirit. Amen. Prayer Concern Those studying the Bible pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 20, 2010 Author Members Posted April 20, 2010 2 Corinthians 4:1-15 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction 2 Corinthians 4:1-15: Paul says that God's message is available for all to receive and experience. He says that those who don't see it are lost in the darkness of this world. Yet God's light is able to cast out darkness and shine in our hearts. He compares those with the knowledge of God to clay pots, and provides assurance of eternal life. Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:6 The God who said, "Out of darkness the light shall shine!" is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts, to bring us the knowledge of God's glory shining in the face of Christ. Today’s Reading 1God in his mercy has given us this work to do, and so we do not become discouraged. 2We put aside all secret and shameful deeds; we do not act with deceit, nor do we falsify the word of God. In the full light of truth we live in God's sight and try to commend ourselves to everyone's good conscience. 3For if the gospel we preach is hidden, it is hidden only from those who are being lost. 4They do not believe, because their minds have been kept in the dark by the evil god of this world. He keeps them from seeing the light shining on them, the light that comes from the Good News about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 5For it is not ourselves that we preach; we preach Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6The God who said, “Out of darkness the light shall shine!” is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts, to bring us the knowledge of God's glory shining in the face of Christ. 7Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us. 8We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; 9there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed. 10At all times we carry in our mortal bodies the death of Jesus, so that his life also may be seen in our bodies. 11Throughout our lives we are always in danger of death for Jesus' sake, in order that his life may be seen in this mortal body of ours. 12This means that death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 13The scripture says, “I spoke because I believed.” In the same spirit of faith we also speak because we believe. 14We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus to life, will also raise us up with Jesus and take us, together with you, into his presence. 15All this is for your sake; and as God's grace reaches more and more people, they will offer to the glory of God more prayers of thanksgiving. Reflect Paul uses the image of a clay pot to describe Christ's followers. What does he mean by this comparison? What other object or image might be used to describe Christ's followers? Pray Holy One, all the glory and power and honor belong to you. We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed. Thank you for the ways in which you sustain us throughout our days. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are worried pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 21, 2010 Author Members Posted April 21, 2010 orinthians 4:16-5:10 (Good News Translation) Embodying Hope and Celebrating New Life in Christ Jesus Introduction 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10: Paul reminds Christ's followers not to become discouraged and reminds them of their constant renewal in Christ. He paints a picture of yearning for life in God's kingdom. Then he reminds the Corinthians to stay strong in their present lives even as they hope for the life to come. Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:18 For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever. Today’s Reading 16For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. 17And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. 18For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever. 1For we know that when this tent we live in—our body here on earth—is torn down, God will have a house in heaven for us to live in, a home he himself has made, which will last forever. 2And now we sigh, so great is our desire that our home which comes from heaven should be put on over us; 3by being clothed with it we shall not be without a body. 4While we live in this earthly tent, we groan with a feeling of oppression; it is not that we want to get rid of our earthly body, but that we want to have the heavenly one put on over us, so that what is mortal will be transformed by life. 5God is the one who has prepared us for this change, and he gave us his Spirit as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us. 6So we are always full of courage. We know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord's home. 7For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. 8We are full of courage and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and be at home with the Lord. 9More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there. 10For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. We will each receive what we deserve, according to everything we have done, good or bad, in our bodily life. Reflect Like Paul in today's passage, we often yearn for escape from the struggles of our lives. Yet we can rely on God's presence with us amid our present challenges. Reread 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. What does this passage mean to you? Pray Gracious God, fix my gaze not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. Fill me with your courage, that I may know your presence with me now and forever. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need of medical care pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
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