Members phkrause Posted February 17, 2014 Author Members Posted February 17, 2014 February 16, 2014 John 10:22-42 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction John 10:22-42: Jesus continues to describe his relationship with his followers. Some of the people ask if he is the Messiah, and Jesus responds by declaring that the deeds he does by his Father’s authority speak on his behalf. Some of the people attempt to stone him, whereas many other people believe in him. Today’s Scripture: John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.” Today’s Reading 22 It was winter, and the Festival of the Dedication of the Temple was being celebrated in Jerusalem. 23 Jesus was walking in Solomon's Porch in the Temple, 24 when the people gathered around him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? Tell us the plain truth: are you the Messiah?” 25 Jesus answered, “I have already told you, but you would not believe me. The deeds I do by my Father's authority speak on my behalf; 26 but you will not believe, for you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never die. No one can snatch them away from me. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than everything, and no one can snatch them away from the Father's care. 30 The Father and I are one. ” 31 Then the people again picked up stones to throw at him. 32 Jesus said to them, “I have done many good deeds in your presence which the Father gave me to do; for which one of these do you want to stone me?” 33 They answered, “We do not want to stone you because of any good deeds, but because of your blasphemy! You are only a man, but you are trying to make yourself God!” 34 Jesus answered, “It is written in your own Law that God said, “You are gods.” 35 We know that what the scripture says is true forever; and God called those people gods, the people to whom his message was given. 36 As for me, the Father chose me and sent me into the world. How, then, can you say that I blaspheme because I said that I am the Son of God? 37 Do not believe me, then, if I am not doing the things my Father wants me to do. 38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, you should at least believe my deeds, in order that you may know once and for all that the Father is in me and that I am in the Father. ” 39 Once more they tried to seize Jesus, but he slipped out of their hands. 40 Jesus then went back again across the Jordan River to the place where John had been baptizing, and he stayed there. 41 Many people came to him. “John performed no miracles,” they said, “but everything he said about this man was true.” 42 And many people there believed in him. Reflect How does Jesus respond when asked if he is the Messiah (verses 25-30)? Why do people want to stone him (verse 33)? How does Jesus respond (verses 34-38)? Reread verses 27 and 28. What reassurance does Jesus give his followers? Is there someone you know who needs to hear these comforting words today? Pray Loving Jesus, as one of your sheep, you know my name. I thank you for eternal life with you and the assurance that no one can ever snatch me away from you. Help me to listen to your voice so that I always follow you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are being led astray by false teachings Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 18:1-14: Jesus is questioned about who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted February 18, 2014 Author Members Posted February 18, 2014 February 17, 2014 Matthew 18:1-14 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction Matthew 18:1-14: Jesus instructs his followers about entering the Kingdom of heaven and about avoiding temptations to sin. Today’s reading concludes with the story of a shepherd who searches for a lost sheep to emphasize God’s vigilant love and care. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 18:4 The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child. Today’s Reading 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, asking, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” 2 So Jesus called a child to come and stand in front of them, 3 and said, “I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. 4 The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child. 5 And whoever welcomes in my name one such child as this, welcomes me. 6 If anyone should cause one of these little ones to lose his faith in me, it would be better for that person to have a large millstone tied around his neck and be drowned in the deep sea. 7 How terrible for the world that there are things that make people lose their faith! Such things will always happen—but how terrible for the one who causes them! 8 If your hand or your foot makes you lose your faith, cut it off and throw it away! It is better for you to enter life without a hand or a foot than to keep both hands and both feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye makes you lose your faith, take it out and throw it away! It is better for you to enter life with only one eye than to keep both eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. 10 See that you don't despise any of these little ones. Their angels in heaven, I tell you, are always in the presence of my Father in heaven. 12 What do you think a man does who has one hundred sheep and one of them gets lost? He will leave the other ninety-nine grazing on the hillside and go and look for the lost sheep. 13 When he finds it, I tell you, he feels far happier over this one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost. 14 In just the same way your Father in heaven does not want any of these little ones to be lost. Reflect Children were considered a gift from God because they cared for older parents and carried on the family name when the parents died. Yet children had little power and were to obey their parents completely. Jesus used children as an example to show that being powerful is not the way to get into God’s kingdom; what God wants is obedience. What is your understanding of Jesus’ words that we are to humble ourselves and become like a child (verse 4)? Pray Lord Jesus, grant me a childlike faith and teach me to obey your teachings with a humble heart. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Children Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 19:13-30: Jesus blesses little children and urges a rich young man to give away his possessions. 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 February 19, 2014 Author Members Posted February 19, 2014 February 18, 2014 Matthew 19:13-30 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction Matthew 19:13-30: People bring their children to Jesus for a blessing but are rebuked by the disciples. A rich man approaches Jesus, inquiring what he must do to receive eternal life. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Today’s Reading 13 Some people brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and to pray for them, but the disciples scolded the people. 14 Jesus said, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 He placed his hands on them and then went away. 16 Once a man came to Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what good thing must I do to receive eternal life?” 17 “Why do you ask me concerning what is good?” answered Jesus. “There is only One who is good. Keep the commandments if you want to enter life.” 18 “What commandments?” he asked. Jesus answered, “Do not commit murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not accuse anyone falsely; 19 respect your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as you love yourself. ” 20 “I have obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else do I need to do?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he was very rich. 23 Jesus then said to his disciples, “I assure you: it will be very hard for rich people to enter the Kingdom of heaven. 24 I repeat: it is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. ” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were completely amazed. “Who, then, can be saved?” they asked. 26 Jesus looked straight at them and answered, “This is impossible for human beings, but for God everything is possible.” 27 Then Peter spoke up. “Look,” he said, “we have left everything and followed you. What will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “You can be sure that when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne in the New Age, then you twelve followers of mine will also sit on thrones, to rule the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake, will receive a hundred times more and will be given eternal life. 30 But many who now are first will be last, and many who now are last will be first. Reflect The rich young man in today’s reading was most likely someone who possessed not only wealth, but power and status. It may be that he gained his wealth through taxes, interest, etc. that caused others to remain poor. Why did the rich young man go away sad? What is your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus? Pray Lord Jesus, I want to be your disciple and to serve you. Teach me to be obedient to your will and to obey your commandments. Open my eyes and heart to the needs of others. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Those enrolled in discipleship classes Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 22:15-40: Jesus teaches about the greatest 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 February 19, 2014 Author Members Posted February 19, 2014 February 19, 2014 Matthew 22:15-40 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction Matthew 22:15-40: The religious leaders (Pharisees and Sadducees) challenge Jesus with questions about taxes and life after death. Then someone asks Jesus which is the greatest commandment in the Law. Jesus responds with what is now known as “The Great Commandment.” Today’s Scripture: Matthew 22:37 Jesus answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ” Today’s Reading 15 The Pharisees went off and made a plan to trap Jesus with questions. 16 Then they sent to him some of their disciples and some members of Herod's party. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you tell the truth. You teach the truth about God's will for people, without worrying about what others think, because you pay no attention to anyone's status. 17 Tell us, then, what do you think? Is it against our Law to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor, or not? ” 18 Jesus, however, was aware of their evil plan, and so he said, “You hypocrites! Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin for paying the tax! ” They brought him the coin, 20 and he asked them, “Whose face and name are these?” 21 “The Emperor's,” they answered. So Jesus said to them, “Well, then, pay to the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay to God what belongs to God.” 22 When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. 23 That same day some Sadducees came to Jesus and claimed that people will not rise from death. 24 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses said that if a man who has no children dies, his brother must marry the widow so that they can have children who will be considered the dead man's children. 25 Now, there were seven brothers who used to live here. The oldest got married and died without having children, so he left his widow to his brother. 26 The same thing happened to the second brother, to the third, and finally to all seven. 27 Last of all, the woman died. 28 Now, on the day when the dead rise to life, whose wife will she be? All of them had married her. ” 29 Jesus answered them, “How wrong you are! It is because you don't know the Scriptures or God's power. 30 For when the dead rise to life, they will be like the angels in heaven and will not marry. 31 Now, as for the dead rising to life: haven't you ever read what God has told you? He said, 32 “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” He is the God of the living, not of the dead. ” 33 When the crowds heard this, they were amazed at his teaching. 34 When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they came together, 35 and one of them, a teacher of the Law, tried to trap him with a question. 36 “Teacher,” he asked, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus answered, “ “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” 38 This is the greatest and the most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like it: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” 40 The whole Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets depend on these two commandments. ” Reflect Today’s reading records how some of the religious leaders sought to trick Jesus with their questions. Why do you think they did this? How does Jesus respond to the one who asks him about the greatest commandment in the Law? Pray Lord God, I seek to love you with all my heart, soul, and mind, and to love my neighbors as you would have me do. Teach me to live in accord with your will and to obey your teachings. Amen. Prayer Concern Those being challenged because of their faith Tomorrow's Reading Leviticus 19:1-18: God’s people are told to be holy. 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 February 21, 2014 Author Members Posted February 21, 2014 February 20, 2014 Leviticus 19:1-18 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction Leviticus 19:1-18: God gives Moses laws for how the people of Israel are to live together as God’s holy people. They must put God first, work for justice, and treat others with honesty and respect. Today’s Scripture: Leviticus 19:2b “Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD told Moses 2 to say to the community of Israel, “Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy. 3 Each of you must respect your mother and your father, and must keep the Sabbath, as I have commanded. I am the LORD your God. 4 Do not abandon me and worship idols; do not make gods of metal and worship them. I am the LORD your God. 5 When you kill an animal for a fellowship offering, keep the regulations that I have given you, and I will accept the offering. 6 The meat must be eaten on the day the animal is killed or on the next day. Any meat left on the third day must be burned, 7 because it is ritually unclean, and if anyone eats it, I will not accept the offering. 8 Any who eat it will be guilty of treating as ordinary what is dedicated to me, and they will no longer be considered my people. 9 When you harvest your fields, do not cut the grain at the edges of the fields, and do not go back to cut the heads of grain that were left. 10 Do not go back through your vineyard to gather the grapes that were missed or to pick up the grapes that have fallen; leave them for poor people and foreigners. I am the LORD your God. 11 Do not steal or cheat or lie. 12 Do not make a promise in my name if you do not intend to keep it; that brings disgrace on my name. I am the LORD your God. 13 Do not rob or take advantage of anyone. Do not hold back the wages of someone you have hired, not even for one night. 14 Do not curse the deaf or put something in front of the blind so as to make them stumble over it. Obey me; I am the LORD your God. 15 Be honest and just when you make decisions in legal cases; do not show favoritism to the poor or fear the rich. 16 Do not spread lies about anyone, and when someone is on trial for his life, speak out if your testimony can help him. I am the LORD. 17 Do not bear a grudge against others, but settle your differences with them, so that you will not commit a sin because of them. 18 Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself. I am the LORD. Reflect You may wish to compare today’s reading with the commandments outlined in Exodus 20:1-17 or Deuteronomy 5:1-21 and note their similarities. Being a holy people did not simply mean that the Israelites should avoid doing things that would make them unclean; it also meant that they should care for the needs of others, especially the poor. Are these commandments relevant for today? How can you apply them in your own life? Pray Lord God, teach me to be one of your holy people. Keep me grounded in your teachings so that I may reflect your love and live and serve with justice. Amen. Prayer Concern Neighbors involved in disputes Tomorrow's Reading Deuteronomy 6:1-25: The people are told to obey God’s laws. 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 February 21, 2014 Author Members Posted February 21, 2014 February 21, 2014 Deuteronomy 6:1-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction Deuteronomy 6:1-25: Moses tells the people that God wants them to obey God’s laws in the land they are about to occupy. Moses also warns them of the consequences of disobedience. Today’s reading includes the great commandment (see verse 5) that is later underscored by Jesus (see Matthew 22:37). Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:13 Honor the LORD your God, worship only him, and make your promises in his name alone. 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 to write and discuss the laws over and over again? What are the people promised if they obey God? What warnings are they given if they are disobedient? What do you do to help you remember God’s laws? Pray Lord God, help me to remember your laws and keep them foremost in my mind. Strengthen my faith day to day and help me to share your teachings with others. Amen. Prayer Concern Children enrolled in church schools Tomorrow's Reading 1 John 1:1—2:6: Jesus is the Word of life. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted February 22, 2014 Author Members Posted February 22, 2014 February 22, 2014 1 John 1:1—2:6 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction 1 John 1:1—2:6: The First Letter of John has two main purposes: to encourage its readers to live in fellowship with God and Jesus Christ, and to warn them against false teachings that would destroy this fellowship. Today’s reading describes how God’s Word of life (Jesus) came to earth and was witnessed by those who actually saw, heard, and touched him. The reading concludes with the assurance that Jesus is the Righteous One who pleads with the Father on our behalf and that knowledge of God comes from obeying God’s commands. Today’s Scripture: 1 John 1:7 If we live in the light – just as he is in the light – then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin. Today’s Reading 1 We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. 2 When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us. 3 What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We write this in order that our joy may be complete. 5 Now the message that we have heard from his Son and announce is this: God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him. 6 If, then, we say that we have fellowship with him, yet at the same time live in the darkness, we are lying both in our words and in our actions. 7 But if we live in the light—just as he is in the light—then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us. 9 But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make a liar out of God, and his word is not in us. 1 I am writing this to you, my children, so that you will not sin; but if anyone does sin, we have someone who pleads with the Father on our behalf—Jesus Christ, the righteous one. 2 And Christ himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven, and not our sins only, but also the sins of everyone. 3 If we obey God's commands, then we are sure that we know him. 4 If we say that we know him, but do not obey his commands, we are liars and there is no truth in us. 5 But if we obey his word, we are the ones whose love for God has really been made perfect. This is how we can be sure that we are in union with God: 6 if we say that we remain in union with God, we should live just as Jesus Christ did. Reflect In the Bible, light is used to describe God or God’s Word (John 1:3-5, Psalm 119:105) and those people or things that reveal God’s truth (Isaiah 49:6). The followers of Jesus are also called “people who belong to the light” (Ephesians 5:8) or “light for the whole world” (Matthew 5:14). Reread verses 5-7. What is your understanding of what it means to live in the light? Pray Lord God, I want to live in your light. Forgive me for the ways in which I have failed to live according to your will. Grant me your grace that I may have new life in you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those confessing their sins to God Tomorrow's Reading 1 John 2:7-29: To love others is to live in the light. 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 February 23, 2014 Author Members Posted February 23, 2014 February 23, 2014 1 John 2:7-29 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction 1 John 2:7-29: Believers are encouraged to love others and “live in the light.” The “world” in this passage pertains to the realm of evil which is temporary, whereas eternal life is promised to those who do the will of God. Today’s Scripture: 1 John 2:10 If we love others, we live in the light, and so there is nothing in us that will cause someone else to sin. Today’s Reading 7 My dear friends, this command I am writing you is not new; it is the old command, the one you have had from the very beginning. The old command is the message you have already heard. 8 However, the command I now write you is new, because its truth is seen in Christ and also in you. For the darkness is passing away, and the real light is already shining. 9 If we say that we are in the light, yet hate others, we are in the darkness to this very hour. 10 If we love others, we live in the light, and so there is nothing in us that will cause someone else to sin. 11 But if we hate others, we are in the darkness; we walk in it and do not know where we are going, because the darkness has made us blind. 12 I write to you, my children, because your sins are forgiven for the sake of Christ. 13 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who has existed from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you have defeated the Evil One. 14 I write to you, my children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who has existed from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong; the word of God lives in you, and you have defeated the Evil One. 15 Do not love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you do not love the Father. 16 Everything that belongs to the world—what the sinful self desires, what people see and want, and everything in this world that people are so proud of—none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world. 17 The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away; but those who do the will of God live forever. 18 My children, the end is near! You were told that the Enemy of Christ would come; and now many enemies of Christ have already appeared, and so we know that the end is near. 19 These people really did not belong to our fellowship, and that is why they left us; if they had belonged to our fellowship, they would have stayed with us. But they left so that it might be clear that none of them really belonged to us. 20 But you have had the Holy Spirit poured out on you by Christ, and so all of you know the truth. 21 I write you, then, not because you do not know the truth; instead, it is because you do know it, and you also know that no lie ever comes from the truth. 22 Who, then, is the liar? It is those who say that Jesus is not the Messiah. Such people are the Enemy of Christ—they reject both the Father and the Son. 23 For those who reject the Son reject also the Father; those who accept the Son have the Father also. 24 Be sure, then, to keep in your hearts the message you heard from the beginning. If you keep that message, then you will always live in union with the Son and the Father. 25 And this is what Christ himself promised to give us—eternal life. 26 I am writing this to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 But as for you, Christ has poured out his Spirit on you. As long as his Spirit remains in you, you do not need anyone to teach you. For his Spirit teaches you about everything, and what he teaches is true, not false. Obey the Spirit's teaching, then, and remain in union with Christ. 28 Yes, my children, remain in union with him, so that when he appears we may be full of courage and need not hide in shame from him on the Day he comes. 29 You know that Christ is righteous; you should know, then, that everyone who does what is right is God's child. Reflect Reread verses 9-11. What does it mean to live in the light? What does it mean to be in the darkness? In verses 12-14, Christians of various levels of maturity are being addressed. What are they being told? Are there people who need to hear this message today? Pray Lord Jesus, help me to love others and live in the light and to follow your teachings. Thank you for forgiving my sins. Keep me close in union with you. Amen. Prayer Concern Friends who are in conflict Tomorrow's Reading 1 John 3:1-24: All who are loved by God are called God’s 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 February 24, 2014 Author Members Posted February 24, 2014 February 24, 2014 1 John 3:1-24 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction 1 John 3:1-24: Children of God are so called because of God’s great love for them. The writer argues that those who do what is right are righteous, whereas those who continue to sin belong to the Devil. Children of God are commanded to love one another and believe in God’s Son, Jesus. Today’s Scripture: 1 John 3:24a Those who obey God’s commands live in union with God and God lives in union with them. Today’s Reading 1 See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children—and so, in fact, we are. This is why the world does not know us: it has not known God. 2 My dear friends, we are now God's children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure. 4 Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God's law, because sin is a breaking of the law. 5 You know that Christ appeared in order to take away sins, and that there is no sin in him. 6 So everyone who lives in union with Christ does not continue to sin; but whoever continues to sin has never seen him or known him. 7 Let no one deceive you, my children! Whoever does what is right is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. 8 Whoever continues to sin belongs to the Devil, because the Devil has sinned from the very beginning. The Son of God appeared for this very reason, to destroy what the Devil had done. 9 Those who are children of God do not continue to sin, for God's very nature is in them; and because God is their Father, they cannot continue to sin. 10 Here is the clear difference between God's children and the Devil's children: those who do not do what is right or do not love others are not God's children. 11 The message you heard from the very beginning is this: we must love one another. 12 We must not be like Cain; he belonged to the Evil One and murdered his own brother Abel. Why did Cain murder him? Because the things he himself did were wrong, and the things his brother did were right. 13 So do not be surprised, my friends, if the people of the world hate you. 14 We know that we have left death and come over into life; we know it because we love others. Those who do not love are still under the power of death. 15 Those who hate others are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life in them. 16 This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others! 17 If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God? 18 My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action. 19 This, then, is how we will know that we belong to the truth; this is how we will be confident in God's presence. 20 If our conscience condemns us, we know that God is greater than our conscience and that he knows everything. 21 And so, my dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have courage in God's presence. 22 We receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. 23 What he commands is that we believe in his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as Christ commanded us. 24 Those who obey God's commands live in union with God and God lives in union with them. And because of the Spirit that God has given us we know that God lives in union with us. Reflect What distinguishes God’s children from the Devil’s children? In what ways do you demonstrate that you are a child of God? Reread verse 18. How would you define the ways true love shows itself in action? Pray Lord God, thank you for loving me and calling me to be your child. Teach me to obey your commands so that I may live in union with you and in a way that demonstrates true love in action. Amen. Prayer Concern Those engaged in political disputes Tomorrow's Reading 1 John 4:1-21: God is love. 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 February 26, 2014 Author Members Posted February 26, 2014 February 25, 2014 1 John 4:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction 1 John 4:1-21: In today’s reading believers are warned to ignore false teachers who deny that Jesus was really a human being, and the writer describes how believers can distinguish between God’s true Spirit and a spirit that is false. Verses 7-21 provide a comprehensive reading about God’s love and Christ’s command to love others. Today’s Scripture: 1 John 4:19 We love because God first loved us. Today’s Reading 1 My dear friends, do not believe all who claim to have the Spirit, but test them to find out if the spirit they have comes from God. For many false prophets have gone out everywhere. 2 This is how you will be able to know whether it is God's Spirit: anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ came as a human being has the Spirit who comes from God. 3 But anyone who denies this about Jesus does not have the Spirit from God. The spirit that he has is from the Enemy of Christ; you heard that it would come, and now it is here in the world already. 4 But you belong to God, my children, and have defeated the false prophets, because the Spirit who is in you is more powerful than the spirit in those who belong to the world. 5 Those false prophets speak about matters of the world, and the world listens to them because they belong to the world. 6 But we belong to God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever does not belong to God does not listen to us. This, then, is how we can tell the difference between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 And God showed his love for us by sending his only Son into the world, so that we might have life through him. 10 This is what love is: it is not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the means by which our sins are forgiven. 11 Dear friends, if this is how God loved us, then we should love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in union with us, and his love is made perfect in us. 13 We are sure that we live in union with God and that he lives in union with us, because he has given us his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and tell others that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If we declare that Jesus is the Son of God, we live in union with God and God lives in union with us. 16 And we ourselves know and believe the love which God has for us. God is love, and those who live in love live in union with God and God lives in union with them. 17 Love is made perfect in us in order that we may have courage on the Judgment Day; and we will have it because our life in this world is the same as Christ's. 18 There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment. 19 We love because God first loved us. 20 If we say we love God, but hate others, we are liars. For we cannot love God, whom we have not seen, if we do not love others, whom we have seen. 21 The command that Christ has given us is this: whoever loves God must love others also. Reflect Today’s reading reminds us that God is love. What is the key teaching in verses 19-21? How have you experienced God’s love recently? Pray Holy God, you are indeed love. Thank you for showing your love for me and for all people through the love of Jesus. Help me to love others as I seek to live in union with you. May your love be perfected in me. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who feel unloved Tomorrow's Reading 1 John 5:1-21: Faith in Jesus gives believers true victory. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted February 27, 2014 Author Members Posted February 27, 2014 February 26, 2014 1 John 5:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction 1 John 5:1-21: Faith in Jesus as the Son of God is what gives God’s children victory over the world. Believers are assured of the promise of eternal life and encouraged to live in union with God. Today’s Scripture: 1 John 5:20b We live in union with the true God—in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life. Today’s Reading 1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Messiah is a child of God; and whoever loves a father loves his child also. 2 This is how we know that we love God's children: it is by loving God and obeying his commands. 3 For our love for God means that we obey his commands. And his commands are not too hard for us, 4 because every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith. 5 Who can defeat the world? Only the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 6 Jesus Christ is the one who came with the water of his baptism and the blood of his death. He came not only with the water, but with both the water and the blood. And the Spirit himself testifies that this is true, because the Spirit is truth. 7 There are three witnesses: 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and all three give the same testimony. 9 We believe human testimony; but God's testimony is much stronger, and he has given this testimony about his Son. 10 So those who believe in the Son of God have this testimony in their own heart; but those who do not believe God, have made a liar of him, because they have not believed what God has said about his Son. 11 The testimony is this: God has given us eternal life, and this life has its source in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has this life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I am writing this to you so that you may know that you have eternal life—you that believe in the Son of God. 14 We have courage in God's presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will. 15 He hears us whenever we ask him; and since we know this is true, we know also that he gives us what we ask from him. 16 If you see a believer commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray to God, who will give that person life. This applies to those whose sins do not lead to death. But there is sin which leads to death, and I do not say that you should pray to God about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which does not lead to death. 18 We know that no children of God keep on sinning, for the Son of God keeps them safe, and the Evil One cannot harm them. 19 We know that we belong to God even though the whole world is under the rule of the Evil One. 20 We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God—in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life. 21 My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods! Reflect According to verses 13-15, why do believers have courage in God’s presence? What is the source of their faith? Do you have a sense of courage in God’s presence? Do you feel as though God hears you? Why or why not? Verses 13-21 provide a comprehensive summary of the key points the writer of the letter sought to convey. Some translations describe these verses as the epilogue to the letter. What is your understanding of these key points? Pray Loving God, give me courage in your presence. I trust that you hear me when I pray and are with me amid all of my joys and my sorrows. Send your Holy Spirit to me today, that I may be filled with your light and love. Amen. Prayer Concern Hospice workers Tomorrow's Reading 2 John: The writer warns believers about those who seek to deceive them. 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 February 28, 2014 Author Members Posted February 28, 2014 February 27, 2014 2 John (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction 2 John: The Second Letter of John was written by “the Elder” to “the dear Lady and to her children,” probably meaning a local church and its members. The brief message is an appeal to love one another and a warning against deceivers and their teachings. Today’s Scripture: 2 John 6b The command, as you have all heard from the beginning, is that you must all live in love. Today’s Reading 1 From the Elder— To the dear Lady and to her children, whom I truly love. And I am not the only one, but all who know the truth love you, 2 because the truth remains in us and will be with us forever. 3 May God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, give us grace, mercy, and peace; may they be ours in truth and love. 4 How happy I was to find that some of your children live in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And so I ask you, dear Lady: let us all love one another. This is no new command I am writing you; it is the command which we have had from the beginning. 6 This love I speak of means that we must live in obedience to God's commands. The command, as you have all heard from the beginning, is that you must all live in love. 7 Many deceivers have gone out over the world, people who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ came as a human being. Such a person is a deceiver and the Enemy of Christ. 8 Be on your guard, then, so that you will not lose what we have worked for, but will receive your reward in full. 9 Anyone who does not stay with the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God. Whoever does stay with the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 So then, if some come to you who do not bring this teaching, do not welcome them in your homes; do not even say, “Peace be with you.” 11 For anyone who wishes them peace becomes their partner in the evil things they do. 12 I have so much to tell you, but I would rather not do it with paper and ink; instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you personally, so that we shall be completely happy. 13 The children of your dear Sister send you their greetings. Reflect Along with encouraging the Lord’s followers, this letter warns them about deceivers who claim that Jesus Christ was not a human being. What does 2 John say about love? About truth? How can people know what is true? How do Christians today show love for God and for others? Pray Lord Jesus, thank you for placing your truth in my heart. Give me the mind to discern your truth and your ways, that my beliefs and actions may reflect your will. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern The ability to discern the truth Tomorrow's Reading 3 John: A church leader is praised. 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 1, 2014 Author Members Posted March 1, 2014 February 28, 2014 3 John (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Embracing Us in Love Introduction 3 John: The Third Letter of John was written by “the Elder” to a church leader named Gaius. The writer praises Gaius because of his help to other Christians, and warns against a man named Diotrephes. Christians are encouraged to support those who travel around sharing the Good News. Today’s Scripture: 3 John 11b Whoever does good belongs to God; whoever does what is bad has not seen God. Today’s Reading 1 From the Elder— To my dear Gaius, whom I truly love. 2 My dear friend, I pray that everything may go well with you and that you may be in good health—as I know you are well in spirit. 3 I was so happy when some Christians arrived and told me how faithful you are to the truth—just as you always live in the truth. 4 Nothing makes me happier than to hear that my children live in the truth. 5 My dear friend, you are so faithful in the work you do for other Christians, even when they are strangers. 6 They have spoken to the church here about your love. Please help them to continue their trip in a way that will please God. 7 For they set out on their trip in the service of Christ without accepting any help from unbelievers. 8 We Christians, then, must help these people, so that we may share in their work for the truth. 9 I wrote a short letter to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to be their leader, will not pay any attention to what I say. 10 When I come, then, I will bring up everything he has done: the terrible things he says about us and the lies he tells! But that is not enough for him; he will not receive the Christians when they come, and even stops those who want to receive them and tries to drive them out of the church! 11 My dear friend, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. Whoever does good belongs to God; whoever does what is bad has not seen God. 12 Everyone speaks well of Demetrius; truth itself speaks well of him. And we add our testimony, and you know that what we say is true. 13 I have so much to tell you, but I do not want to do it with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk personally. 15 Peace be with you. All your friends send greetings. Greet all our friends personally. Reflect Based on this brief letter, how would you describe Gaius’ church? What kinds of problems was Diotrephes causing in his church? What problems have you observed when someone wants to be considered a leader but fails to exhibit strong leadership qualities? What qualities should a church leader possess? Pray Gracious God, bless all who lead your churches. Give them wisdom, confidence and humility, that they may lead your people according to your will. Amen. Prayer Concern Church leaders Tomorrow's Reading Colossians 1:1-23: Paul thanks the believers in Colossae for their faith. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 1, 2014 Author Members Posted March 1, 2014 March 1, 2014 Colossians 1:1-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Colossians 1:1-23: Today we begin reading the Letter to the Colossians, written to the church in Colossae, a town in Asia Minor east of Ephesus. Among the apostle Paul’s purposes in writing the letter was to warn the Colossians about false teachers in their midst and to oppose these false teachings with the true Christian message. The letter opens with Paul’s greeting and prayer of thanksgiving, followed by a description of the person and work of Christ who “is the visible likeness of the invisible God.” Today’s Scripture: Colossians 1:9b We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. Today’s Reading 1 From Paul, who by God's will is an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy— 2 To God's people in Colossae, who are our faithful friends in union with Christ: May God our Father give you grace and peace. 3 We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. 4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all God's people. 5 When the true message, the Good News, first came to you, you heard about the hope it offers. So your faith and love are based on what you hope for, which is kept safe for you in heaven. 6 The gospel keeps bringing blessings and is spreading throughout the world, just as it has among you ever since the day you first heard about the grace of God and came to know it as it really is. 7 You learned of God's grace from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is Christ's faithful worker on our behalf. 8 He has told us of the love that the Spirit has given you. 9 For this reason we have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. 10 Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God. 11-12 May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. And with joy give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light. 13 He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, 14 by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. 15 Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God. He is the first-born Son, superior to all created things. 16 For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and the unseen things, including spiritual powers, lords, rulers, and authorities. God created the whole universe through him and for him. 17 Christ existed before all things, and in union with him all things have their proper place. 18 He is the head of his body, the church; he is the source of the body's life. He is the first-born Son, who was raised from death, in order that he alone might have the first place in all things. 19 For it was by God's own decision that the Son has in himself the full nature of God. 20 Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. God made peace through his Son's blood on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven. 21 At one time you were far away from God and were his enemies because of the evil things you did and thought. 22 But now, by means of the physical death of his Son, God has made you his friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure, and faultless, into his presence. 23 You must, of course, continue faithful on a firm and sure foundation, and must not allow yourselves to be shaken from the hope you gained when you heard the gospel. It is of this gospel that I, Paul, became a servant—this gospel which has been preached to everybody in the world. Reflect What does Paul’s prayer reveal about what he has heard about the Colossians? Verses 15-20 are probably derived from an early Christian hymn. What do these verses say about Jesus? What does Paul admonish the Colossians to do (verse 23)? Pray Almighty God, help me to be strong with all the strength that comes from your glorious power, so that I may be able to endure everything with patience. With joy I give you thanks for rescuing me from the power of darkness and bringing me safely into the kingdom of your dear Son, Jesus Christ my Lord, by whom you have set me free and offered me forgiveness of my sins. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need of spiritual strength Tomorrow's Reading Colossians 1:24—2:19: Paul reminds the Colossians not to be misled by false teachings. 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 2, 2014 Author Members Posted March 2, 2014 March 2, 2014 Colossians 1:24—2:19 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Colossians 1:24—2:19: Paul describes his work as God’s servant and warns the Colossians not to let anyone deceive them with false arguments. He encourages them to remain strong in faith, rooted in Christ Jesus. Today’s Scripture: Colossians 2:6 Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. Today’s Reading 24 And now I am happy about my sufferings for you, for by means of my physical sufferings I am helping to complete what still remains of Christ's sufferings on behalf of his body, the church. 25 And I have been made a servant of the church by God, who gave me this task to perform for your good. It is the task of fully proclaiming his message, 26 which is the secret he hid through all past ages from all human beings but has now revealed to his people. 27 God's plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God. 28 So we preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one into God's presence as a mature individual in union with Christ. 29 To get this done I toil and struggle, using the mighty strength which Christ supplies and which is at work in me. 1 Let me tell you how hard I have worked for you and for the people in Laodicea and for all others who do not know me personally. 2 I do this in order that they may be filled with courage and may be drawn together in love, and so have the full wealth of assurance which true understanding brings. In this way they will know God's secret, which is Christ himself. 3 He is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you, then, do not let anyone deceive you with false arguments, no matter how good they seem to be. 5 For even though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I am glad as I see the resolute firmness with which you stand together in your faith in Christ. 6 Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. 7 Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving. 8 See to it, then, that no one enslaves you by means of the worthless deceit of human wisdom, which comes from the teachings handed down by human beings and from the ruling spirits of the universe, and not from Christ. 9 For the full content of divine nature lives in Christ, in his humanity, 10 and you have been given full life in union with him. He is supreme over every spiritual ruler and authority. 11 In union with Christ you were circumcised, not with the circumcision that is made by human beings, but with the circumcision made by Christ, which consists of being freed from the power of this sinful self. 12 For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ through your faith in the active power of God, who raised him from death. 13 You were at one time spiritually dead because of your sins and because you were Gentiles without the Law. But God has now brought you to life with Christ. God forgave us all our sins; 14 he canceled the unfavorable record of our debts with its binding rules and did away with it completely by nailing it to the cross. 15 And on that cross Christ freed himself from the power of the spiritual rulers and authorities; he made a public spectacle of them by leading them as captives in his victory procession. 16 So let no one make rules about what you eat or drink or about holy days or the New Moon Festival or the Sabbath. 17 All such things are only a shadow of things in the future; the reality is Christ. 18 Do not allow yourselves to be condemned by anyone who claims to be superior because of special visions and who insists on false humility and the worship of angels. For no reason at all, such people are all puffed up by their human way of thinking 19 and have stopped holding on to Christ, who is the head of the body. Under Christ's control the whole body is nourished and held together by its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God wants it to grow. Reflect What is the “secret” Paul mentions in 1:26 and 27? How is Paul’s message different from the message others are trying to teach the Colossians? What messages in the world today attempt to lure people away from the life that God offers through Jesus Christ? What does having a “full life in union with him” (2:10) mean to you? Pray Lord Jesus, I have accepted you as my Lord and Savior. Keep me rooted in you, and strengthen my faith each day as I live to serve you. Amen. Prayer Concern Church custodians Tomorrow's Reading Colossians 2:20—3:17: Paul describes new life in Christ. 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 4, 2014 Author Members Posted March 4, 2014 March 3, 2014 Colossians 2:20—3:17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Colossians 2:20—3:17: Paul encourages the Colossians to set their hearts and minds on the things of heaven and to put aside earthly desires. He reminds them that they are people of God, united as a community bound by love. Today’s Scripture: Colossians 3:17 Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father. Today’s Reading 20 You have died with Christ and are set free from the ruling spirits of the universe. Why, then, do you live as though you belonged to this world? Why do you obey such rules as 21 “Don't handle this,” “Don't taste that,” “Don't touch the other”? 22 All these refer to things which become useless once they are used; they are only human rules and teachings. 23 Of course such rules appear to be based on wisdom in their forced worship of angels, and false humility, and severe treatment of the body; but they have no real value in controlling physical passions. 1 You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. 2 Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory! 5 You must put to death, then, the earthly desires at work in you, such as sexual immorality, indecency, lust, evil passions, and greed (for greed is a form of idolatry). 6 Because of such things God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him. 7 At one time you yourselves used to live according to such desires, when your life was dominated by them. 8 But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips. 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have put off the old self with its habits 10 and have put on the new self. This is the new being which God, its Creator, is constantly renewing in his own image, in order to bring you to a full knowledge of himself. 11 As a result, there is no longer any distinction between Gentiles and Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarians, savages, slaves, and free, but Christ is all, Christ is in all. 12 You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. 14 And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity. 15 The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. 17 Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father. Reflect Paul talks about dying with Christ and being raised to life with Christ. What does this mean to you? What does it mean to you to “put off the old self” and “put on the new self” (3:9 and 10)? Reread verses 12-17. How do you envision a community that reflects the unity Paul describes? Pray Lord Jesus, thank you for the new life you offer. Clothe me with your righteousness and set my heart and mind on you so that all I do and say reflects my thanks and love for you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those struggling with addiction Tomorrow's Reading Colossians 4:2-18: Paul encourages the Colossians to be persistent in prayer. 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 4, 2014 Author Members Posted March 4, 2014 March 4, 2014 Colossians 4:2-18 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Colossians 4:2-18: Paul reminds the Colossians to be persistent in prayer, and he encourages them to treat non-believers in a way that demonstrates Christian love. He concludes the letter with personal greetings to the community of believers. Today’s Scripture: Colossians 4:2 Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God. Today’s Reading 2 Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God. 3 At the same time pray also for us, so that God will give us a good opportunity to preach his message about the secret of Christ. For that is why I am now in prison. 4 Pray, then, that I may speak, as I should, in such a way as to make it clear. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward those who are not believers, making good use of every opportunity you have. 6 Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone. 7 Our dear friend Tychicus, who is a faithful worker and fellow servant in the Lord's work, will give you all the news about me. 8 That is why I am sending him to you, in order to cheer you up by telling you how all of us are getting along. 9 With him goes Onesimus, that dear and faithful friend, who belongs to your group. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have already received instructions to welcome Mark if he comes your way.) 11 Joshua, also called Justus, sends greetings too. These three are the only Jewish believers who work with me for the Kingdom of God, and they have been a great help to me. 12 Greetings from Epaphras, another member of your group and a servant of Christ Jesus. He always prays fervently for you, asking God to make you stand firm, as mature and fully convinced Christians, in complete obedience to God's will. 13 I can personally testify to his hard work for you and for the people in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Luke, our dear doctor, and Demas send you their greetings. 15 Give our best wishes to the believers in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. 16 After you read this letter, make sure that it is read also in the church at Laodicea. At the same time, you are to read the letter that the believers in Laodicea will send you. 17 And tell Archippus, “Be sure to finish the task you were given in the Lord's service.” 18 With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul Do not forget my chains! May God's grace be with you. Reflect Why does Paul exhort the Colossians to be persistent in prayer? Do you ever find it hard to pray? What does a prayerful life mean to you? Pray Holy God, I praise and thank you for your mercy, love, and grace. Help me to be persistent in prayer, and draw me close to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Prayer warriors Tomorrow's Reading Psalm 51: A prayer for forgiveness. 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 5, 2014 Author Members Posted March 5, 2014 March 5, 2014 Psalm 51 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Psalm 51: Today’s reading is a psalm asking for God’s forgiveness, and it is attributed to King David. After David had arranged to have Uriah killed in battle so that he could marry Bathsheba, who was pregnant with David’s child, the prophet Nathan confronted David with his sin. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 51:1 Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins! Today’s Reading 1 Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins! 2 Wash away all my evil and make me clean from my sin! 3 I recognize my faults; I am always conscious of my sins. 4 I have sinned against you—only against you— and done what you consider evil. So you are right in judging me; you are justified in condemning me. 5 I have been evil from the day I was born; from the time I was conceived, I have been sinful. 6 Sincerity and truth are what you require; fill my mind with your wisdom. 7 Remove my sin, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; and though you have crushed me and broken me, I will be happy once again. 9 Close your eyes to my sins and wipe out all my evil. 10 Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me. 12 Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. 13 Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you. 14 Spare my life, O God, and save me, and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness. 15 Help me to speak, Lord, and I will praise you. 16 You do not want sacrifices, or I would offer them; you are not pleased with burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart. 18 O God, be kind to Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifices and with our burnt offerings; and bulls will be sacrificed on your altar. Reflect How would you describe the tone of David’s prayer? What does he confess? What does he ask of God? Can this prayer serve as a model of confession for you? What do you need to confess to God today? Pray Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love, and wipe away all my sins. Create a pure heart in me and put a new and loyal spirit in me. Keep me forever in your presence so that I may know the joy that comes from you and your salvation. Teach me to obey you. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking God’s forgiveness Tomorrow's Reading Psalm 56: A prayer of trust in God. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 7, 2014 Author Members Posted March 7, 2014 March 6, 2014 Psalm 56 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Psalm 56: In today’s reading, the psalm writer says that his trust in God is greater than his fear, and he expresses confidence in God’s protection. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 56:13b I walk in the presence of God, in the light that shines on the living. Today’s Reading 1 Be merciful to me, O God, because I am under attack; my enemies persecute me all the time. 2 All day long my opponents attack me. There are so many who fight against me. 3 When I am afraid, O LORD Almighty, I put my trust in you. 4 I trust in God and am not afraid; I praise him for what he has promised. What can a mere human being do to me? 5 My enemies make trouble for me all day long; they are always thinking up some way to hurt me! 6 They gather in hiding places and watch everything I do, hoping to kill me. 7 Punish them, O God, for their evil; defeat those people in your anger! 8 You know how troubled I am; you have kept a record of my tears. Aren't they listed in your book? 9 The day I call to you, my enemies will be turned back. I know this: God is on my side— 10 the LORD, whose promises I praise. 11 In him I trust, and I will not be afraid. What can a mere human being do to me? 12 O God, I will offer you what I have promised; I will give you my offering of thanksgiving, 13 because you have rescued me from death and kept me from defeat. And so I walk in the presence of God, in the light that shines on the living. Reflect What verses in today’s reading express the psalm writer’s trust in God? Reread verses 4, 8, and 11. What do the questions posed at the end of these verses reveal about the writer’s faith? Have you experienced times in your life when you felt God’s presence in the midst of a troublesome or fearful situation? Pray Loving and merciful God, I offer you my humble heart and place my trust in you. I know that you are on my side. Order my steps this day so that I walk in the light of your loving presence. Amen. Prayer Concern Civilians in countries experiencing armed conflict Tomorrow's Reading Psalm 57: A prayer for protection from enemies. 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 8, 2014 Author Members Posted March 8, 2014 March 7, 2014 Psalm 57 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Psalm 57: The first Friday in March is observed as World Day of Prayer. Today’s reading is an individual prayer for God’s protection from enemies. It is attributed to David at a time when he was hiding in a cave while running away from King Saul (see 1 Samuel 24). The psalm includes two refrains (verses 5, 11) that attest to the greatness and glory of God. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 57:2 I call to God, the Most High, to God, who supplies my every need. Today’s Reading 1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, because I come to you for safety. In the shadow of your wings I find protection until the raging storms are over. 2 I call to God, the Most High, to God, who supplies my every need. 3 He will answer from heaven and save me; he will defeat my oppressors. God will show me his constant love and faithfulness. 4 I am surrounded by enemies, who are like lions hungry for human flesh. Their teeth are like spears and arrows; their tongues are like sharp swords. 5 Show your greatness in the sky, O God, and your glory over all the earth. 6 My enemies have spread a net to catch me; I am overcome with distress. They dug a pit in my path, but fell into it themselves. 7 I have complete confidence, O God; I will sing and praise you! 8 Wake up, my soul! Wake up, my harp and lyre! I will wake up the sun. 9 I will thank you, O Lord, among the nations. I will praise you among the peoples. 10 Your constant love reaches the heavens; your faithfulness touches the skies. 11 Show your greatness in the sky, O God, and your glory over all the earth. Reflect How would you describe the tone at the opening of this psalm? In verse 4, enemies are described as lions. In the psalms, enemies are often compared to lions or wild animals (see 7:2; 17:12; 22:12-13; 35:17; 58:3-6). What does this tell you about the kind of danger the psalm writer was facing? How is confidence in God expressed? Pray I thank you, Lord God, for your steadfast love and faithfulness. Great are you, God Most High, and your glory is over all the earth. Amen. Prayer Concern Those whose jobs place them in places of potential danger Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 6:1-18: Jesus teaches about giving, prayer, and fasting. 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 9, 2014 Author Members Posted March 9, 2014 March 8, 2014 Matthew 6:1-18 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Matthew 6:1-18: Jesus teaches his followers about giving, prayer and fasting. With each teaching, Jesus warns against being “like the hypocrites” who do things publicly so that others will be impressed by their piety. He also offers a model for prayer. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 6:6 When you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Today’s Reading 1 Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. If you do these things publicly, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it, as the hypocrites do in the houses of worship and on the streets. They do it so that people will praise them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 3 But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. 4 Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. 5 When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 6 But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. 7 When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words, as the pagans do, who think that their gods will hear them because their prayers are long. 8 Do not be like them. Your Father already knows what you need before you ask him. 9 This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven: May your holy name be honored; 10 may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today the food we need. 12 Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. 13 Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One.’ 14 If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done. 16 And when you fast, do not put on a sad face as the hypocrites do. They neglect their appearance so that everyone will see that they are fasting. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. 17 When you go without food, wash your face and comb your hair, 18 so that others cannot know that you are fasting—only your Father, who is unseen, will know. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Reflect What sorts of things does Jesus want his followers to pray for? What lessons on prayer do you learn from the prayer that Jesus taught (verses 9-13)? What is the relationship between prayer and forgiveness? What will you pray about today? Pray Our Father in heaven: may your holy named be honored; may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need. Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. Do not bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need of prayer Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 4:1-11: Jesus is tempted by the devil. 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 10, 2014 Author Members Posted March 10, 2014 March 9, 2014 Matthew 4:1-11 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction Matthew 4:1-11: After Jesus is baptized by John, the Spirit leads him into the desert where he is tempted by the devil. After the devil departs, angels come to help Jesus. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 4:10b “The scripture says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!’ ” Today’s Reading 1 Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the Devil. 2 After spending forty days and nights without food, Jesus was hungry. 3 Then the Devil came to him and said, “If you are God's Son, order these stones to turn into bread.” 4 But Jesus answered, “The scripture says, “Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks.” ” 5 Then the Devil took Jesus to Jerusalem, the Holy City, set him on the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are God's Son, throw yourself down, for the scripture says, ‘God will give orders to his angels about you; they will hold you up with their hands, so that not even your feet will be hurt on the stones.’” 7 Jesus answered, “But the scripture also says, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ” 8 Then the Devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in all their greatness. 9 “All this I will give you,” the Devil said, “if you kneel down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus answered, “Go away, Satan! The scripture says, “Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!” ” 11 Then the Devil left Jesus; and angels came and helped him. Reflect Jesus had fasted for forty days and nights and was approached by the devil when he was hungry and vulnerable. In what ways did the devil try to tempt Jesus? How did Jesus respond? In what areas of your life are you most vulnerable? What helps you to resist temptation? Pray Eternal God, guide me as I seek to follow your commands. When temptations come, remind me that it is only through complete reliance on your Word that I will receive victory. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing temptation Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 4:12-25: Jesus begins his public ministry. 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 11, 2014 Author Members Posted March 11, 2014 March 11, 2014 1 Samuel 1:1-28 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction 1 Samuel 1:1-28: Hannah, who is childless, is tormented by her husband’s other wife, Peninnah. She prays to God for a son and names him Samuel which, in Hebrew, means “name of God” and is related to the Hebrew verb for “ask.” Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:15b “I have been praying, pouring out my troubles to the LORD.” Today’s Reading 1 There was a man named Elkanah, from the tribe of Ephraim, who lived in the town of Ramah in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham and grandson of Elihu, and belonged to the family of Tohu, a part of the clan of Zuph. 2 Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not. 3 Every year Elkanah went from Ramah to worship and offer sacrifices to the LORD Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the LORD. 4 Each time Elkanah offered his sacrifice, he would give one share of the meat to Peninnah and one share to each of her children. 5 And even though he loved Hannah very much he would give her only one share, because the LORD had kept her from having children. 6 Peninnah, her rival, would torment and humiliate her, because the LORD had kept her childless. 7 This went on year after year; whenever they went to the house of the LORD, Peninnah would upset Hannah so much that she would cry and refuse to eat anything. 8 Her husband Elkanah would ask her, “Hannah, why are you crying? Why won't you eat? Why are you always so sad? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?” 9-10 One time, after they had finished their meal in the house of the LORD at Shiloh, Hannah got up. She was deeply distressed, and she cried bitterly as she prayed to the LORD. Meanwhile, Eli the priest was sitting in his place by the door. 11 Hannah made a solemn promise: “ LORD Almighty, look at me, your servant! See my trouble and remember me! Don't forget me! If you give me a son, I promise that I will dedicate him to you for his whole life and that he will never have his hair cut. ” 12 Hannah continued to pray to the LORD for a long time, and Eli watched her lips. 13 She was praying silently; her lips were moving, but she made no sound. So Eli thought that she was drunk, 14 and he said to her, “Stop making a drunken show of yourself Stop your drinking and sober up!” 15 “No, I'm not drunk, sir,” she answered. “I haven't been drinking! I am desperate, and I have been praying, pouring out my troubles to the LORD. 16 Don't think I am a worthless woman. I have been praying like this because I'm so miserable. ” 17 “Go in peace,” Eli said, “and may the God of Israel give you what you have asked him for.” 18 “May you always think kindly of me,” she replied. Then she went away, ate some food, and was no longer sad. 19 The next morning Elkanah and his family got up early, and after worshiping the LORD, they went back home to Ramah. Elkanah had intercourse with his wife Hannah, and the LORD answered her prayer. 20 So it was that she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, and explained, “I asked the LORD for him. ” 21 The time came again for Elkanah and his family to go to Shiloh and offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and the special sacrifice he had promised. 22 But this time Hannah did not go. She told her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will take him to the house of the LORD, where he will stay all his life. ” 23 Elkanah answered, “All right, do whatever you think best; stay at home until you have weaned him. And may the LORD make your promise come true. ” So Hannah stayed at home and nursed her child. 24 After she had weaned him, she took him to Shiloh, taking along a three-year-old bull, a bushel of flour, and a leather bag full of wine. She took Samuel, young as he was, to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. 25 After they had killed the bull, they took the child to Eli. 26 Hannah said to him, “Excuse me, sir. Do you remember me? I am the woman you saw standing here, praying to the LORD. 27 I asked him for this child, and he gave me what I asked for. 28 So I am dedicating him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he will belong to the LORD. ” Then they worshiped the LORD there. Reflect Children were considered a sign of God’s blessing (Psalm 127:3-5). What might Peninnah have been saying to Hannah? How would you describe Hannah’s distress? What promise did Hannah make to God (verse 11)? Pray Almighty God, I pour out my heart to you. I am your servant. Hear my prayer and draw me close to you. I pray in your holy name. Amen. Prayer Concern Newborn babies Tomorrow's Reading 1 Samuel 2:1-11: Hannah offers a prayer 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 March 13, 2014 Author Members Posted March 13, 2014 March 12, 2014 1 Samuel 2:1-11 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction 1 Samuel 2:1-11: Today’s reading is Hannah’s prayer upon offering Samuel as a servant to the LORD. She offers God praise and thanksgiving, celebrating the ways in which God offers safety, sustenance, and care. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1a “The LORD has filled my heart with joy; how happy I am because of what he has done!” Today’s Reading 1 Hannah prayed: “The LORD has filled my heart with joy; how happy I am because of what he has done! I laugh at my enemies; how joyful I am because God has helped me! 2 No one is holy like the LORD; there is none like him, no protector like our God. 3 Stop your loud boasting; silence your proud words. For the LORD is a God who knows, and he judges all that people do. 4 The bows of strong soldiers are broken, but the weak grow strong. 5 The people who once were well fed now hire themselves out to get food, but the hungry are hungry no more. The childless wife has borne seven children, but the mother of many is left with none. 6 The LORD kills and restores to life; he sends people to the world of the dead and brings them back again. 7 He makes some people poor and others rich; he humbles some and makes others great. 8 He lifts the poor from the dust and raises the needy from their misery. He makes them companions of princes and puts them in places of honor. The foundations of the earth belong to the LORD; on them he has built the world. 9 He protects the lives of his faithful people, but the wicked disappear in darkness; a man does not triumph by his own strength. 10 The LORD's enemies will be destroyed; he will thunder against them from heaven. The LORD will judge the whole world; he will give power to his king, he will make his chosen king victorious.” 11 Then Elkanah went back home to Ramah, but the boy Samuel stayed in Shiloh and served the LORD under the priest Eli. Reflect Some scholars believe that parts of this prayer may have been taken from older prayers that were used to give thanks after receiving God’s help. The prayer celebrates God’s power to change human situations from bad to good so that those in need are helped. According to Hannah’s prayer, what are some of the ways God helps people? Does God act in similar ways today? Pray You fill my heart with joy, Lord. How happy I am because of what you have done! Thank you for the ways in which you care for me and protect me. You alone are God. Amen. Prayer Concern Children in foster care Tomorrow's Reading 2 Samuel 7:18-29: King David offers a prayer of thanksgiving. 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 14, 2014 Author Members Posted March 14, 2014 March 13, 2014 2 Samuel 7:18-29 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Prayer Introduction 2 Samuel 7:18-29: David is now king of Israel, and the prophet Nathan has told him of God’s steadfast covenant with David—that one of David’s descendants will always be king and that David’s son will be the one to build a temple for the LORD (1 Samuel 7:12-13). In response to the prophet’s message, David prays and gives thanks to God. Today’s Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:28a “Sovereign LORD, you are God; you always keep your promises.” Today’s Reading 18 Then King David went into the Tent of the LORD's presence, sat down and prayed, “Sovereign LORD, I am not worthy of what you have already done for me, nor is my family. 19 Yet now you are doing even more, Sovereign LORD; you have made promises about my descendants in the years to come. And you let a man see this, Sovereign LORD! 20 What more can I say to you! You know me, your servant. 21 It was your will and purpose to do this; you have done all these great things in order to instruct me. 22 How great you are, Sovereign LORD! There is none like you; we have always known that you alone are God. 23 There is no other nation on earth like Israel, whom you rescued from slavery to make them your own people. The great and wonderful things you did for them have spread your fame throughout the world. You drove out other nations and their gods as your people advanced, the people whom you set free from Egypt to be your own. 24 You have made Israel your own people forever, and you, LORD, have become their God. 25 And now, LORD God, fulfill for all time the promise you made about me and my descendants, and do what you said you would. 26 Your fame will be great, and people will forever say, ‘The LORD Almighty is God over Israel. ’ And you will preserve my dynasty for all time. 27LORD Almighty, God of Israel! I have the courage to pray this prayer to you, because you have revealed all this to me, your servant, and have told me that you will make my descendants kings. 28 And now, Sovereign LORD, you are God; you always keep your promises, and you have made this wonderful promise to me. 29 I ask you to bless my descendants so that they will continue to enjoy your favor. You, Sovereign LORD, have promised this, and your blessing will rest on my descendants forever. ” Reflect What are the key points of David’s prayer? How does he conclude his prayer? In what ways have you experienced God’s promises? Pray Sovereign God, you alone are God and you always keep your promises. Teach me to walk in your ways and to serve you faithfully all the days of my life. Amen. Prayer Concern Those making sacred vows Tomorrow's Reading 2 Samuel 22:1-28: David sings a song of victory. 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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