Members phkrause Posted May 3, 2014 Author Members Posted May 3, 2014 May 3, 2014 Hebrews 11:23-40 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Hebrews 11:23-40: Today’s reading continues the listing of people of great faith, beginning with Moses, and includes those who were persecuted for their faith. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 11:39a What a record all of these have won by their faith! Today’s Reading 23 It was faith that made the parents of Moses hide him for three months after he was born. They saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king's order. 24 It was faith that made Moses, when he had grown up, refuse to be called the son of the king's daughter. 25 He preferred to suffer with God's people rather than to enjoy sin for a little while. 26 He reckoned that to suffer scorn for the Messiah was worth far more than all the treasures of Egypt, for he kept his eyes on the future reward. 27 It was faith that made Moses leave Egypt without being afraid of the king's anger. As though he saw the invisible God, he refused to turn back. 28 It was faith that made him establish the Passover and order the blood to be sprinkled on the doors, so that the Angel of Death would not kill the first-born sons of the Israelites. 29 It was faith that made the Israelites able to cross the Red Sea as if on dry land; when the Egyptians tried to do it, the water swallowed them up. 30 It was faith that made the walls of Jericho fall down after the Israelites had marched around them for seven days. 31 It was faith that kept the prostitute Rahab from being killed with those who disobeyed God, for she gave the Israelite spies a friendly welcome. 32 Should I go on? There isn't enough time for me to speak of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. 33 Through faith they fought whole countries and won. They did what was right and received what God had promised. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 put out fierce fires, escaped being killed by the sword. They were weak, but became strong; they were mighty in battle and defeated the armies of foreigners. 35 Through faith women received their dead relatives raised back to life. Others, refusing to accept freedom, died under torture in order to be raised to a better life. 36 Some were mocked and whipped, and others were put in chains and taken off to prison. 37 They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were killed by the sword. They went around clothed in skins of sheep or goats—poor, persecuted, and mistreated. 38 The world was not good enough for them! They wandered like refugees in the deserts and hills, living in caves and holes in the ground. 39 What a record all of these have won by their faith! Yet they did not receive what God had promised, 40 because God had decided on an even better plan for us. His purpose was that only in company with us would they be made perfect. Reflect Faith, according to Hebrews 11, means trusting in God rather than observing certain rituals. What did you learn about those whose faith is described in Hebrews 11? In what ways do you demonstrate your faith? Pray Lord God, thank you for the gift of faith. Strengthen my faith day by day as I grow in knowledge of you and your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are being persecuted for their faith Tomorrow's Reading Hebrews 12:1-29: Faithful witnesses cheer us on as we run the race of faith. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 4, 2014 Author Members Posted May 4, 2014 May 4, 2014 Hebrews 12:1-29 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Hebrews 12:1-29: Today’s reading teaches that we are surrounded by faithful witnesses from the past and present. This “large crowd” is like a hometown crowd cheering us on as we run the race of faith. The chapter concludes with words of encouragement and a reminder that God’s kingdom cannot be shaken. Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 12:2a Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. Today’s Reading 1 As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. 2 Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne. 3 Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up. 4 For in your struggle against sin you have not yet had to resist to the point of being killed. 5 Have you forgotten the encouraging words which God speaks to you as his children? “My child, pay attention when the Lord corrects you, and do not be discouraged when he rebukes you. 6 Because the Lord corrects everyone he loves, and punishes everyone he accepts as a child.” 7 Endure what you suffer as being a father's punishment; your suffering shows that God is treating you as his children. Was there ever a child who was not punished by his father? 8 If you are not punished, as all his children are, it means you are not real children, but bastards. 9 In the case of our human fathers, they punished us and we respected them. How much more, then, should we submit to our spiritual Father and live! 10 Our human fathers punished us for a short time, as it seemed right to them; but God does it for our own good, so that we may share his holiness. 11 When we are punished, it seems to us at the time something to make us sad, not glad. Later, however, those who have been disciplined by such punishment reap the peaceful reward of a righteous life. 12 Lift up your tired hands, then, and strengthen your trembling knees! 13 Keep walking on straight paths, so that the lame foot may not be disabled, but instead be healed. 14 Try to be at peace with everyone, and try to live a holy life, because no one will see the Lord without it. 15 Guard against turning back from the grace of God. Let no one become like a bitter plant that grows up and causes many troubles with its poison. 16 Let no one become immoral or unspiritual like Esau, who for a single meal sold his rights as the older son. 17 Afterward, you know, he wanted to receive his father's blessing; but he was turned back, because he could not find any way to change what he had done, even though in tears he looked for it. 18 You have not come, as the people of Israel came, to what you can feel, to Mount Sinai with its blazing fire, the darkness and the gloom, the storm, 19 the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of a voice. When the people heard the voice, they begged not to hear another word, 20 because they could not bear the order which said, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling and afraid!” 22 Instead, you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, with its thousands of angels. 23 You have come to the joyful gathering of God's first-born, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, who is the judge of all people, and to the spirits of good people made perfect. 24 You have come to Jesus, who arranged the new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that promises much better things than does the blood of Abel. 25 Be careful, then, and do not refuse to hear him who speaks. Those who refused to hear the one who gave the divine message on earth did not escape. How much less shall we escape, then, if we turn away from the one who speaks from heaven! 26 His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, “I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven as well.” 27 The words “once more” plainly show that the created things will be shaken and removed, so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain. 28 Let us be thankful, then, because we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe; 29 because our God is indeed a destroying fire. Reflect In verses 7-11, the relationship between God and people is described as that of a father and child. How is earthly punishment or discipline compared to what God does? Reread verses 22-24. How do you envision what is described here? Pray Lord Jesus, keep my eyes fixed on you. My faith is dependent on you. You alone are worthy of praise and honor. May my worship be pleasing to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Athletes Tomorrow's Reading Romans 1:1-17: The apostle Paul proclaims the Good News. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 6, 2014 Author Members Posted May 6, 2014 May 5, 2014 Romans 1:1-17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Romans 1:1-17: Today we begin reading excerpts from Romans, a letter in which the apostle Paul provides a detailed summary of the Good News about Jesus Christ. Paul wrote this letter about 55-56 A.D. to introduce himself to the followers of Christ in Rome, who likely included new Gentile Christians as well as Jewish Christians. In today’s reading, Paul points out that he is an apostle called to preach the Good News. He offers a prayer of thanks for the Roman Christians and states his confidence in the gospel which is “God’s power to save all who believe.” Today’s Scripture: Romans 1:17b As the scripture says, “The person who is put right with God through faith shall live.” Today’s Reading 1 From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus and an apostle chosen and called by God to preach his Good News. 2 The Good News was promised long ago by God through his prophets, as written in the Holy Scriptures. 3 It is about his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: as to his humanity, he was born a descendant of David; 4 as to his divine holiness, he was shown with great power to be the Son of God by being raised from death. 5 Through him God gave me the privilege of being an apostle for the sake of Christ, in order to lead people of all nations to believe and obey. 6 This also includes you who are in Rome, whom God has called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 And so I write to all of you in Rome whom God loves and has called to be his own people: May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because the whole world is hearing about your faith. 9 God is my witness that what I say is true—the God whom I serve with all my heart by preaching the Good News about his Son. God knows that I remember you 10 every time I pray. I ask that God in his good will may at last make it possible for me to visit you now. 11 For I want very much to see you, in order to share a spiritual blessing with you to make you strong. 12 What I mean is that both you and I will be helped at the same time, you by my faith and I by yours. 13 You must remember, my friends, that many times I have planned to visit you, but something has always kept me from doing so. I want to win converts among you also, as I have among other Gentiles. 14 For I have an obligation to all peoples, to the civilized and to the savage, to the educated and to the ignorant. 15 So then, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who live in Rome. 16 I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God's power to save all who believe, first the Jews and also the Gentiles. 17 For the gospel reveals how God puts people right with himself: it is through faith from beginning to end. As the scripture says, “The person who is put right with God through faith shall live.” Reflect Reread verses 2-7. How does Paul describe the Good News? How does he describe what he is called to do? What does the Good News mean to you? According to Paul, what is the power of the gospel (verses 16-17)? Pray Holy God, I have complete confidence in the gospel, knowing that it is your power to save all who believe and that, through faith, I am put right with you. Thank you, Lord God, for your saving love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who have not yet heard the Good News Tomorrow's Reading Romans 2:1-16: God’s judgment is described. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 7, 2014 Author Members Posted May 7, 2014 May 6, 2014 Romans 2:1-16 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Romans 2:1-16: In describing God’s judgment, Paul says that those who are faithful to God will receive rewards, and those who reject God’s truth will be punished. Today’s Scripture: Romans 2:10a God will give glory, honor, and peace to all who do what is good. Today’s Reading 1 Do you, my friend, pass judgment on others? You have no excuse at all, whoever you are. For when you judge others and then do the same things which they do, you condemn yourself. 2 We know that God is right when he judges the people who do such things as these. 3 But you, my friend, do those very things for which you pass judgment on others! Do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4 Or perhaps you despise his great kindness, tolerance, and patience. Surely you know that God is kind, because he is trying to lead you to repent. 5 But you have a hard and stubborn heart, and so you are making your own punishment even greater on the Day when God's anger and righteous judgments will be revealed. 6 For God will reward each of us according to what we have done. 7 Some people keep on doing good, and seek glory, honor, and immortal life; to them God will give eternal life. 8 Other people are selfish and reject what is right, in order to follow what is wrong; on them God will pour out his anger and fury. 9 There will be suffering and pain for all those who do what is evil, for the Jews first and also for the Gentiles. 10 But God will give glory, honor, and peace to all who do what is good, to the Jews first and also to the Gentiles. 11 For God judges everyone by the same standard. 12 The Gentiles do not have the Law of Moses; they sin and are lost apart from the Law. The Jews have the Law; they sin and are judged by the Law. 13 For it is not by hearing the Law that people are put right with God, but by doing what the Law commands. 14 The Gentiles do not have the Law; but whenever they do by instinct what the Law commands, they are their own law, even though they do not have the Law. 15 Their conduct shows that what the Law commands is written in their hearts. Their consciences also show that this is true, since their thoughts sometimes accuse them and sometimes defend them. 16 And so, according to the Good News I preach, this is how it will be on that Day when God through Jesus Christ will judge the secret thoughts of all. Reflect What does Paul say about judging others (verse 1)? Reread verses 2-11. What are your thoughts about Paul’s description of God’s judgment? Is God’s judgment fair? Why or why not? Pray Loving God, you judge everyone by the same standard. Teach me to follow your ways and to live according to your truths. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Victims of prejudice Tomorrow's Reading Romans 3:21-31: The apostle Paul describes how we are put right with God. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 8, 2014 Author Members Posted May 8, 2014 May 7, 2014 Romans 3:21-31 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Romans 3:21-31: Paul declares that no one is put right with God by following the Law but that, through God’s grace, all are put right with God through Christ Jesus. Today’s Scripture: Romans 3:24 By the free gift of God’s grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. Today’s Reading 21 But 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. 22 God 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: 23 everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence. 24 But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. 25-26 God 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. 27 What, 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. 28 For we conclude that a person is put right with God only through faith, and not by doing what the Law commands. 29 Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles also? Of course he is. 30 God 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. 31 Does this mean that by this faith we do away with the Law? No, not at all; instead, we uphold the Law. Reflect What is at the core of Paul’s message in this passage? How many times does the word “faith” appear in today’s reading? What does Paul say about faith? What does Paul say about the Law? Pray Loving and merciful God, thank you for the free gift of your grace. Through your Son, Jesus, you have set me free from sin. Strengthen my faith and guide me in the way of your truth. Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking to strengthen their faith Tomorrow's Reading Romans 4:1-12: The apostle Paul describes the faith of Abraham. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 9, 2014 Author Members Posted May 9, 2014 May 8, 2014 Romans 4:1-12 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Romans 4:1-12: Using the example of Abraham, Paul describes how we are accepted as righteous by God. Today’s Scripture: Romans 4:5 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. Today’s Reading 1 What shall we say, then, of Abraham, the father of our race? What was his experience? 2 If he was put right with God by the things he did, he would have something to boast about—but not in God's sight. 3 The scripture says, “Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” 4 A person who works is paid wages, but they are not regarded as a gift; they are something that has been earned. 5 But 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. 6 This 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! 8 Happy is the person whose sins the Lord will not keep account of” 9 Does 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.” 10 When did this take place? Was it before or after Abraham was circumcised? It was before, not after. 11 He 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. 12 He 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 verses 5-8. In verses 7 and 8 the apostle Paul is quoting from Psalm 32:1-2. What do these verses teach you about God? Pray Thank you, Lord God, for accepting me as righteous and for pardoning my sins. In faith, I trust in your promises. Amen. Prayer Concern Those whose faith is weak Tomorrow's Reading Romans 4:13-25: God’s promise is received through faith. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 11, 2014 Author Members Posted May 11, 2014 May 9, 2014 Romans 4:13-25 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Romans 4:13-25: According to Paul, God’s promises are for all who have faith and that God’s promise to Abraham was independent of the law. Today’s Scripture: Romans 4:25 Because of our sins he [Jesus] was given over to die, and he was raised to life in order to put us right with God. Today’s Reading 13 When 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. 14 For if what God promises is to be given to those who obey the Law, then faith means nothing and God's promise is worthless. 15 The Law brings down God's anger; but where there is no law, there is no disobeying of the law. 16 And 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; 17 as 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. 18 Abraham 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.” 19 He 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. 20 His 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. 21 He was absolutely sure that God would be able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why Abraham, through faith, “was accepted as righteous by God.” 23 The words “he was accepted as righteous” were not written for him alone. 24 They were written also for us who are to be accepted as righteous, who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from death. 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. Reflect Reread verses 16 and 17. Paul describes Abraham as the “spiritual father of us all.” According to Paul, we are descendants of Abraham because of our faith in God. What does this say to you about your relationship with God? about your relationship with other believers? Pray My faith is in you alone, Lord God. Because of my sin, Jesus was given over to die, but you raised him to life in order to put me right with you. Thank you, Lord God, for accepting me as righteous. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who doubt God’s promises Tomorrow's Reading Romans 5:1-21: The apostle Paul describes how being put right with God helps us to live. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 11, 2014 Author Members Posted May 11, 2014 May 10, 2014 Romans 5:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Romans 5:1-21: Being put right with God opens the way for living the new life of faith. The apostle Paul teaches that God’s love for us is poured into our hearts by means of God’s gift, the Holy Spirit, and that God’s grace comes to us through Jesus Christ. Today’s Scripture: Romans 5:8 But God has shown how much he loves us – it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! Today’s Reading 1 Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 He 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! 3 We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, 4 endurance brings God's approval, and his approval creates hope. 5 This 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. 6 For when we were still helpless, Christ died for the wicked at the time that God chose. 7 It 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. 8 But God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! 9 By his blood we are now put right with God; how much more, then, will we be saved by him from God's anger! 10 We 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! 11 But 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. 12 Sin 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. 13 There was sin in the world before the Law was given; but where there is no law, no account is kept of sins. 14 But 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. 15 But 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. 16 And 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!” 17 It 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. 18 So then, as the one sin condemned all people, in the same way the one righteous act sets all people free and gives them life. 19 And 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. 20 Law was introduced in order to increase wrongdoing; but where sin increased, God's grace increased much more. 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. Reflect Reread verses 1-5. What does Paul teach about hope? In verses 6-19, what does he say about Adam and Christ? about sin and grace? According to Paul, what was the purpose of the Law (verse 20)? Pray Thank you, God, for making me your friend through the sacrificial death of your Son, Jesus. I now have peace and my heart is filled with hope because of being put right with you. Sin no longer has control of my life. Thank you, God, for your gift of grace and for loving me so. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who need to experience God’s love and grace Tomorrow's Reading Romans 6:1-23: The apostle Paul explains how baptism brings us new 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 May 12, 2014 Author Members Posted May 12, 2014 May 11, 2014 Romans 6:1-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Romans 6:1-23: Paul explains being baptized as dying to sin and being raised to life, just as Jesus died and was raised to life by God. Today’s Scripture: Romans 6:8 Since we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Today’s Reading 1 What shall we say, then? Should we continue to live in sin so that God's grace will increase? 2 Certainly not! We have died to sin—how then can we go on living in it? 3 For surely you know that when we were baptized into union with Christ Jesus, we were baptized into union with his death. 4 By 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. 5 For 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. 6 And 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. 7 For when we die, we are set free from the power of sin. 8 Since we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that Christ has been raised from death and will never die again—death will no longer rule over him. 10 And so, because he died, sin has no power over him; and now he lives his life in fellowship with God. 11 In 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. 12 Sin must no longer rule in your mortal bodies, so that you obey the desires of your natural self. 13 Nor 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. 14 Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law but under God's grace. 15 What, then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law but under God's grace? By no means! 16 Surely 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. 17 But 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. 18 You 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. 20 When you were the slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. 21 What did you gain from doing the things that you are now ashamed of The result of those things is death! 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. 23 For sin pays its wage—death; but God's free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord. Reflect The opening rhetorical question (verse 1) is in response to Romans 5:20 and 21 (see yesterday’s reading). Verse 15 is a similar rhetorical question. What does Paul say in verse 2? What does living a new life mean to you? Why does Paul exhort us to become “slaves of righteousness” (verse 18)? Pray Holy God, I surrender myself to your will in order that I might become a slave of righteousness for holy purposes. You have set me free from sin, and I dedicate my life to you. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Those burdened by the weight of sin Tomorrow's Reading Galatians 1:1-24: The apostle Paul defends his apostleship and his message. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 13, 2014 Author Members Posted May 13, 2014 May 12, 2014 Galatians1:1-24 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Galatians 1:1-24: Today we begin reading excerpts from the apostle Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia. The letter was written in response to a surmounting crisis brought about by other missionaries who were proclaiming a message to the Galatian Gentiles that was contrary to what Paul had taught. In today’s reading, Paul expresses his shock that the Galatians have accepted “another gospel,” and he defends his call to be an apostle. Today’s Scripture: Galatians 1:4 In order to set us free from this present evil age, Christ gave himself for our sins, in obedience to the will of our God and Father. Today’s Reading 1 From Paul, whose call to be an apostle did not come from human beings or by human means, but from Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from death. 2 All the believers who are here join me in sending greetings to the churches of Galatia: 3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 In order to set us free from this present evil age, Christ gave himself for our sins, in obedience to the will of our God and Father. 5 To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen. 6 I am surprised at you! In no time at all you are deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ, and are accepting another gospel. 7 Actually, there is no “other gospel,” but I say this because there are some people who are upsetting you and trying to change the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel that is different from the one we preached to you, may he be condemned to hell! 9 We have said it before, and now I say it again: if anyone preaches to you a gospel that is different from the one you accepted, may he be condemned to hell! 10 Does this sound as if I am trying to win human approval? No indeed! What I want is God's approval! Am I trying to be popular with people? If I were still trying to do so, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11 Let me tell you, my friends, that the gospel I preach is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any human being, nor did anyone teach it to me. It was Jesus Christ himself who revealed it to me. 13 You have been told how I used to live when I was devoted to the Jewish religion, how I persecuted without mercy the church of God and did my best to destroy it. 14 I was ahead of most other Jews of my age in my practice of the Jewish religion, and was much more devoted to the traditions of our ancestors. 15 But God in his grace chose me even before I was born, and called me to serve him. And when he decided 16 to reveal his Son to me, so that I might preach the Good News about him to the Gentiles, I did not go to anyone for advice, 17 nor did I go to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me. Instead, I went at once to Arabia, and then I returned to Damascus. 18 It was three years later that I went to Jerusalem to obtain information from Peter, and I stayed with him for two weeks. 19 I did not see any other apostle except James, the Lord's brother. 20 What I write is true. God knows that I am not lying! 21 Afterward I went to places in Syria and Cilicia. 22 At that time the members of the churches in Judea did not know me personally. 23 They knew only what others were saying: “The man who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith that he once tried to destroy!” 24 And so they praised God because of me. Reflect What has caused Paul to be surprised (verse 6)? By what authority does Paul claim to be an apostle? What biographical information does Paul provide about himself? What is the mission to which he has been called (verse 16)? Pray Lord Jesus, you sacrificed yourself for my sake and released me from the power of sin and the sting of death. Through you I have been given the gift of eternal life. To you be glory forever and ever! Amen. Prayer Concern Missionaries Tomorrow's Reading Galatians 2:1-21: Paul describes his meeting with the other apostles. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 14, 2014 Author Members Posted May 14, 2014 May 13, 2014 Galatians 2:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Galatians 2:1-21: Paul describes his meeting with the apostles in Jerusalem, and he reports on a disagreement he had with Peter in Antioch. The chapter concludes with Paul’s teaching on how one is put right with God. Today’s Scripture: Galatians 2:16a Yet we know that a person is put right with God only through faith in Jesus Christ, never by doing what the Law requires. Today’s Reading 1 Fourteen years later I went back to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went because God revealed to me that I should go. In a private meeting with the leaders I explained the gospel message that I preach to the Gentiles. I did not want my work in the past or in the present to be a failure. 3 My companion Titus, even though he is Greek, was not forced to be circumcised, 4 although some wanted it done. Pretending to be believers, these men slipped into our group as spies, in order to find out about the freedom we have through our union with Christ Jesus. They wanted to make slaves of us, 5 but in order to keep the truth of the gospel safe for you, we did not give in to them for a minute. 6 But those who seemed to be the leaders—I say this because it makes no difference to me what they were; God does not judge by outward appearances—those leaders, I say, made no new suggestions to me. 7 On the contrary, they saw that God had given me the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the task of preaching the gospel to the Jews. 8 For by God's power I was made an apostle to the Gentiles, just as Peter was made an apostle to the Jews. 9 James, Peter, and John, who seemed to be the leaders, recognized that God had given me this special task; so they shook hands with Barnabas and me, as a sign that we were all partners. We agreed that Barnabas and I would work among the Gentiles and they among the Jews. 10 All they asked was that we should remember the needy in their group, which is the very thing I have been eager to do. 11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him in public, because he was clearly wrong. 12 Before some men who had been sent by James arrived there, Peter had been eating with the Gentile believers. But after these men arrived, he drew back and would not eat with the Gentiles, because he was afraid of those who were in favor of circumcising them. 13 The other Jewish believers also started acting like cowards along with Peter; and even Barnabas was swept along by their cowardly action. 14 When I saw that they were not walking a straight path in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you have been living like a Gentile, not like a Jew. How, then, can you try to force Gentiles to live like Jews?” 15 Indeed, we are Jews by birth and not “Gentile sinners,” as they are called. 16 Yet we know that a person is put right with God only through faith in Jesus Christ, never by doing what the Law requires. We, too, have believed in Christ Jesus in order to be put right with God through our faith in Christ, and not by doing what the Law requires. For no one is put right with God by doing what the Law requires. 17 If, then, as we try to be put right with God by our union with Christ, we are found to be sinners, as much as the Gentiles are—does this mean that Christ is serving the cause of sin? By no means! 18 If I start to rebuild the system of Law that I tore down, then I show myself to be someone who breaks the Law. 19 So far as the Law is concerned, however, I am dead—killed by the Law itself—in order that I might live for God. I have been put to death with Christ on his cross, 20 so that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me. 21 I refuse to reject the grace of God. But if a person is put right with God through the Law, it means that Christ died for nothing! Reflect What was the “special task” that the apostles recognized had been given to Paul (verses 7-9)? The apostles asked that Paul “remember the needy in their group” (verse 10). In what ways do faith-based organizations remember the needy today? How do you remember the needy? What was the source of Paul’s conflict with Peter (verses 11-14)? According to Paul, how are we “put right” with God (verses 15-21)? What does being “put right with God” mean to you? Pray Almighty God, thank you for the gift of faith and, through faith in your Son, Jesus, I have been reconciled and put right with you. Teach me to live my life in ways that reflect your love and in obedience to your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Christian/Jewish dialogues Tomorrow's Reading Galatians 3:1-14: Paul discusses the relationship between the Law and faith. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 15, 2014 Author Members Posted May 15, 2014 May 14, 2014 Galatians 3:1-14 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Galatians 3:1-14: Paul continues his discussion of what it means to be saved by faith (see 2:15-21 from yesterday’s reading). As he did in the fourth chapter of his letter to the Romans (see readings from May 8 and 9), Paul uses the example of Abraham to demonstrate that faith in Christ makes one a child of God and a descendant of Abraham. Today’s Scripture: Galatians 3:11b “Only the person who is put right with God through faith shall live.” Today’s Reading 1 You foolish Galatians! Who put a spell on you? Before your very eyes you had a clear description of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross! 2 Tell me this one thing: did you receive God's Spirit by doing what the Law requires or by hearing the gospel and believing it? 3 How can you be so foolish! You began by God's Spirit; do you now want to finish by your own power? 4 Did all your experience mean nothing at all? Surely it meant something! 5 Does God give you the Spirit and work miracles among you because you do what the Law requires or because you hear the gospel and believe it? 6 Consider the experience of Abraham; as the scripture says, “He believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” 7 You should realize, then, that the real descendants of Abraham are the people who have faith. 8 The scripture predicted that God would put the Gentiles right with himself through faith. And so the scripture announced the Good News to Abraham: “Through you God will bless all people.” 9 Abraham believed and was blessed; so all who believe are blessed as he was. 10 Those who depend on obeying the Law live under a curse. For the scripture says, “Whoever does not always obey everything that is written in the book of the Law is under God's curse! ” 11 Now, it is clear that no one is put right with God by means of the Law, because the scripture says, “Only the person who is put right with God through faith shall live.” 12 But the Law has nothing to do with faith. Instead, as the scripture says, “Whoever does everything the Law requires will live. ” 13 But by becoming a curse for us Christ has redeemed us from the curse that the Law brings; for the scripture says, “Anyone who is hanged on a tree is under God's curse.” 14 Christ did this in order that the blessing which God promised to Abraham might be given to the Gentiles by means of Christ Jesus, so that through faith we might receive the Spirit promised by God. Reflect According to Paul, who are the descendants of Abraham (verse 7)? In verses 10-13, Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 27:26, Habakkuk 2:4, Leviticus 18:5, and Deuteronomy 21:23, and he says that “Christ has redeemed us from the curse that the Law brings.” What is the blessing that such redemption brings (verse 14)? Pray Lord Jesus, you have redeemed me from the curse that the Law brings by becoming a curse for me. I belong to you and, through faith, I am an heir of God’s promises. Amen. Prayer Concern New converts Tomorrow's Reading Galatians 3:15-29: The apostle Paul describes the purpose of the Law. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 16, 2014 Author Members Posted May 16, 2014 May 15, 2014 Galatians 3:15-29 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Galatians 3:15-29: Paul contrasts depending on obeying the Law versus a life of faith that is dependent on God’s promises. The chapter concludes with Paul assuring the Galatians that, through faith and by living in union with Christ, there are no differences among people. Today’s Scripture: Galatians 3:26 It is through faith that all of you are God’s children in union with Christ Jesus. Today’s Reading 15 My friends, I am going to use an everyday example: when two people agree on a matter and sign an agreement, no one can break it or add anything to it. 16 Now, God made his promises to Abraham and to his descendant. The scripture does not use the plural “descendants,” meaning many people, but the singular “descendant,” meaning one person only, namely, Christ. 17 What I mean is that God made a covenant with Abraham and promised to keep it. The Law, which was given four hundred and thirty years later, cannot break that covenant and cancel God's promise. 18 For if God's gift depends on the Law, then it no longer depends on his promise. However, it was because of his promise that God gave that gift to Abraham. 19 What, then, was the purpose of the Law? It was added in order to show what wrongdoing is, and it was meant to last until the coming of Abraham's descendant, to whom the promise was made. The Law was handed down by angels, with a man acting as a go-between. 20 But a go-between is not needed when only one person is involved; and God is one. 21 Does this mean that the Law is against God's promises? No, not at all! For if human beings had received a law that could bring life, then everyone could be put right with God by obeying it. 22 But the scripture says that the whole world is under the power of sin; and so the gift which is promised on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ is given to those who believe. 23 But before the time for faith came, the Law kept us all locked up as prisoners until this coming faith should be revealed. 24 And so the Law was in charge of us until Christ came, in order that we might then be put right with God through faith. 25 Now that the time for faith is here, the Law is no longer in charge of us. 26 It is through faith that all of you are God's children in union with Christ Jesus. 27 You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself. 28 So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised. Reflect What does Paul say regarding the purpose of the Law (verses 19-25)? Reread verses 26-29. What does it mean to you to be “in union with Christ Jesus”? What does this say to you about your relationship with other believers? Pray Holy God, thank you for calling me to be your child and that, through faith, I am in union with Christ Jesus and heir to your promises. Amen. Prayer Concern Ecumenical dialogues Tomorrow's Reading Galatians 4:1-20: Paul continues to express his concern for the Galatians. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 17, 2014 Author Members Posted May 17, 2014 May 16, 2014 Galatians 4:1-20 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Galatians 4:1-20: Paul reminds the Galatians of their inheritance as children of God. He is deeply worried that other people have turned them away from what he has taught. Today’s Scripture: Galatians 4:6a To show that you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. Today’s Reading 1 But now to continue—the son who will receive his father's property is treated just like a slave while he is young, even though he really owns everything. 2 While he is young, there are men who take care of him and manage his affairs until the time set by his father. 3 In the same way, we too were slaves of the ruling spirits of the universe before we reached spiritual maturity. 4 But when the right time finally came, God sent his own Son. He came as the son of a human mother and lived under the Jewish Law, 5 to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might become God's children. 6 To show that you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Father, my Father.” 7 So then, you are no longer a slave but a child. And since you are his child, God will give you all that he has for his children. 8 In the past you did not know God, and so you were slaves of beings who are not gods. 9 But now that you know God—or, I should say, now that God knows you—how is it that you want to turn back to those weak and pitiful ruling spirits? Why do you want to become their slaves all over again? 10 You pay special attention to certain days, months, seasons, and years. 11 I am worried about you! Can it be that all my work for you has been for nothing? 12 I beg you, my friends, be like me. After all, I am like you. You have not done me any wrong. 13 You remember why I preached the gospel to you the first time; it was because I was sick. 14 But even though my physical condition was a great trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you received me as you would an angel from heaven; you received me as you would Christ Jesus. 15 You were so happy! What has happened? I myself can say that you would have taken out your own eyes, if you could, and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 Those other people show a deep interest in you, but their intentions are not good. All they want is to separate you from me, so that you will have the same interest in them as they have in you. 18 Now, it is good to have such a deep interest if the purpose is good—this is true always, and not merely when I am with you. 19 My dear children! Once again, just like a mother in childbirth, I feel the same kind of pain for you until Christ's nature is formed in you. 20 How I wish I were with you now, so that I could take a different attitude toward you. I am so worried about you! Reflect Reread verses 1-7. What is your understanding of what children of God inherit? How does Paul express his concern for the Galatians? Have you ever had concern for someone for whom you needed to clarify misunderstandings about faith issues? Pray Lord God, send the Spirit of your Son into my heart. You have rescued me and set me free from the power of sin. In faith, I trust in your promises. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are led astray by false teachings Tomorrow's Reading Galatians 4:21-31: The apostle Paul uses the examples of Hagar and Sarah to describe being a child of promise. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 17, 2014 Author Members Posted May 17, 2014 May 17, 2014 Galatians 4:21-31 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Galatians 4:21-31: Drawing upon the example of Abraham’s two sons by Hagar and Sarah, Paul demonstrates that anyone who follows the Law is a slave like Hagar and her son, but those who have faith in Christ are like the descendants of Sarah because she was the mother of Isaac, the child born according to God’s promise. Today’s Scripture: Galatians 4:28 Now, you, my friends, are God’s children as a result of his promise, just as Isaac was. Today’s Reading 21 Let me ask those of you who want to be subject to the Law: do you not hear what the Law says? 22 It says that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman, the other by a free woman. 23 His son by the slave woman was born in the usual way, but his son by the free woman was born as a result of God's promise. 24 These things can be understood as a figure: the two women represent two covenants. The one whose children are born in slavery is Hagar, and she represents the covenant made at Mount Sinai. 25 Hagar, who stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia, is a figure of the present city of Jerusalem, in slavery with all its people. 26 But the heavenly Jerusalem is free, and she is our mother. 27 For the scripture says, “Be happy, you childless woman! Shout and cry with joy, you who never felt the pains of childbirth! For the woman who was deserted will have more children than the woman whose husband never left her.” 28 Now, you, my friends, are God's children as a result of his promise, just as Isaac was. 29 At that time the son who was born in the usual way persecuted the one who was born because of God's Spirit; and it is the same now. 30 But what does the scripture say? It says, “Send the slave woman and her son away; for the son of the slave woman will not have a part of the father's property along with the son of the free woman.” 31 So then, my friends, we are not the children of a slave woman but of a free woman. Reflect Abraham had two sons. Because he didn’t believe he could have a son by his wife, Sarah, he first had a son by Hagar, Sarah’s slave (Genesis 16). Hagar’s son was named Ishmael. Later Abraham and Sarah had a son named Isaac, who was the child God had promised (Genesis 21:1-8). What is your understanding of why Paul uses the example of Hagar and Sarah in his argument with the Galatians? Pray Thank you, Lord God, for calling me to be your child as a result of your promise. May all I do and say this day reflect your love and grace. Amen. Prayer Concern Children Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 12:1-21: Religious leaders question Jesus about the Sabbath. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 19, 2014 Author Members Posted May 19, 2014 May 18, 2014 Matthew 12:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Matthew 12:1-21: The religious leaders question Jesus about the Sabbath, and Jesus challenges their narrow interpretation of Sabbath observance. Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, and the religious leaders begin to make plans to kill Jesus. The passage concludes with a quote from Isaiah 42:1-4. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 12:7, 8 “The scripture says, ‘It is kindness that I want, not animal sacrifices.’ If you really knew what this means, you would not condemn people who are not guilty; for the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Today’s Reading 1 Not long afterward Jesus was walking through some wheat fields on a Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began to pick heads of wheat and eat the grain. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Jesus, “Look, it is against our Law for your disciples to do this on the Sabbath!” 3 Jesus answered, “Have you never read what David did that time when he and his men were hungry? 4 He went into the house of God, and he and his men ate the bread offered to God, even though it was against the Law for them to eat it—only the priests were allowed to eat that bread. 5 Or have you not read in the Law of Moses that every Sabbath the priests in the Temple actually break the Sabbath law, yet they are not guilty? 6 I tell you that there is something here greater than the Temple. 7 The scripture says, “It is kindness that I want, not animal sacrifices.” If you really knew what this means, you would not condemn people who are not guilty; 8 for the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath. ” 9 Jesus left that place and went to a synagogue, 10 where there was a man who had a paralyzed hand. Some people were there who wanted to accuse Jesus of doing wrong, so they asked him, “Is it against our Law to heal on the Sabbath?” 11 Jesus answered, “What if one of you has a sheep and it falls into a deep hole on the Sabbath? Will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 And a human being is worth much more than a sheep! So then, our Law does allow us to help someone on the Sabbath. ” 13 Then he said to the man with the paralyzed hand, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and it became well again, just like the other one. 14 Then the Pharisees left and made plans to kill Jesus. 15 When Jesus heard about the plot against him, he went away from that place; and large crowds followed him. He healed all the sick 16 and gave them orders not to tell others about him. 17 He did this so as to make come true what God had said through the prophet Isaiah: 18 “Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, the one I love, and with whom I am pleased. I will send my Spirit upon him, and he will announce my judgment to the nations. 19 He will not argue or shout, or make loud speeches in the streets. 20 He will not break off a bent reed, nor put out a flickering lamp. He will persist until he causes justice to triumph, 21 and on him all peoples will put their hope.” Reflect In verse 7 Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6. In stating this, Jesus challenges the way in which the religious leaders interpret Sabbath observance. Psalm 51:15-16 states: “You do not want sacrifices … you are not pleased with burnt offerings. My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God.” In what ways can you offer a “sacrifice” of “a humble spirit” and demonstrate “kindness?” What is your response to Jesus’ broader interpretation of Sabbath observance? Reread verses 18-21. What is your understanding of these verses in relation to Jesus? Pray Dearest Jesus, you are Lord of the Sabbath and God’s Servant. Your love and compassion break down walls of narrow interpretations of the Law. Teach me to have a humble spirit and to be open to your teachings that I may be a channel for extending God’s Kingdom. Amen. Prayer Concern Law enforcement officers Tomorrow's Reading Matthew12:22-37: The religious leaders continue to challenge Jesus’ authority. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 20, 2014 Author Members Posted May 20, 2014 May 19, 2014 Matthew 12:22-37 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Matthew 12:22-37: Jesus heals a man who is blind and unable to speak. This prompts the religious leaders to challenge Jesus’ authority, claiming that his source of power is demonic. They fail to recognize that the Holy Spirit is at work in Jesus to do God’s will. Jesus then issues a series of warnings about evil and Judgment Day. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 12:28 [Jesus said]: “No, it is not Beelzebul, but God’s Spirit, who gives me the power to drive out demons, which proves that the Kingdom of God has already come upon you.” Today’s Reading 22 Then some people brought to Jesus a man who was blind and could not talk because he had a demon. Jesus healed the man, so that he was able to talk and see. 23 The crowds were all amazed at what Jesus had done. “Could he be the Son of David?” they asked. 24 When the Pharisees heard this, they replied, “He drives out demons only because their ruler Beelzebul gives him power to do so.” 25 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and so he said to them, “Any country that divides itself into groups which fight each other will not last very long. And any town or family that divides itself into groups which fight each other will fall apart. 26 So if one group is fighting another in Satan's kingdom, this means that it is already divided into groups and will soon fall apart! 27 You say that I drive out demons because Beelzebul gives me the power to do so. Well, then, who gives your followers the power to drive them out? What your own followers do proves that you are wrong! 28 No, it is not Beelzebul, but God's Spirit, who gives me the power to drive out demons, which proves that the Kingdom of God has already come upon you. 29 No one can break into a strong man's house and take away his belongings unless he first ties up the strong man; then he can plunder his house. 30 Anyone who is not for me is really against me; anyone who does not help me gather is really scattering. 31 For this reason I tell you: people can be forgiven any sin and any evil thing they say; but whoever says evil things against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who says something against the Son of Man can be forgiven; but whoever says something against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven—now or ever. 33 To have good fruit you must have a healthy tree; if you have a poor tree, you will have bad fruit. A tree is known by the kind of fruit it bears. 34 You snakes—how can you say good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35 A good person brings good things out of a treasure of good things; a bad person brings bad things out of a treasure of bad things. 36 You can be sure that on the Judgment Day you will have to give account of every useless word you have ever spoken. 37 Your words will be used to judge you—to declare you either innocent or guilty. ” Reflect Verses 22-24 indicate the belief at that time that illness was caused by demons or evil spirits. The crowd that witnesses Jesus’ healing the man is amazed; yet, the religious leaders challenge Jesus’ source of power. How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees? What is Jesus’ source of power? Reread verses 33-37. How do you interpret Jesus’ statement, “A tree is known by the kind of fruit it bears”? If you were to describe yourself as a tree, what would you say and why? Pray Sovereign God, may I grow day by day in your grace and be like a tree that bears good fruit, so that all I say and do brings glory to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who plant trees and cultivate tree nurseries Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 12:38-50: Jesus defines family in the Kingdom of 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 May 21, 2014 Author Members Posted May 21, 2014 May 20, 2014 Matthew 12:38-50 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Matthew 12:38-50: The religious leaders demand that Jesus perform a miracle, which demonstrates their resistance to Jesus’ teachings. The passage concludes with Jesus offering a definition of what constitutes family in God’s Kingdom. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 12:50 “Whoever does what my Father in heaven wants is my brother, my sister, and my mother.” Today’s Reading 38 Then some teachers of the Law and some Pharisees spoke up. “Teacher,” they said, “we want to see you perform a miracle.” 39 “How evil and godless are the people of this day!” Jesus exclaimed. “You ask me for a miracle? No! The only miracle you will be given is the miracle of the prophet Jonah. 40 In the same way that Jonah spent three days and nights in the big fish, so will the Son of Man spend three days and nights in the depths of the earth. 41 On the Judgment Day the people of Nineveh will stand up and accuse you, because they turned from their sins when they heard Jonah preach; and I tell you that there is something here greater than Jonah! 42 On the Judgment Day the Queen of Sheba will stand up and accuse you, because she traveled all the way from her country to listen to King Solomon's wise teaching; and I assure you that there is something here greater than Solomon! 43 When an evil spirit goes out of a person, it travels over dry country looking for a place to rest. If it can't find one, 44 it says to itself, “I will go back to my house.” So it goes back and finds the house empty, clean, and all fixed up. 45 Then it goes out and brings along seven other spirits even worse than itself, and they come and live there. So when it is all over, that person is in worse shape than at the beginning. This is what will happen to the evil people of this day. ” 46 Jesus was still talking to the people when his mother and brothers arrived. They stood outside, asking to speak with him. 47 So one of the people there said to him, “Look, your mother and brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak with you.” 48 Jesus answered, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 49 Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look! Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 Whoever does what my Father in heaven wants is my brother, my sister, and my mother. ” Reflect How does Jesus respond to the religious leaders who demand that he perform a miracle? Jesus compares the time he would spend in the grave with the time Jonah spent inside a big fish. Why did he say this? What does Jesus say is the basis for belonging to the family of God (verse 50)? Pray Loving Jesus, thank you for welcoming me into God’s Kingdom and for calling me to be a member of your family. Teach me to follow you always so that I grow in discipleship. Amen. Prayer Concern Children in foster care Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 14:1-21: John the Baptist is beheaded. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 21, 2014 Author Members Posted May 21, 2014 May 21, 2014 Matthew 14:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Matthew 14:1-21: John the Baptist had been killed by Herod Antipas (the son of Herod the Great) because he confronted Herod about marrying Herodias while she was still the wife of Herod’s brother Philip. After Jesus hears of John’s death, he crosses Lake Galilee where he encounters a large crowd. He has pity on them and feeds more than five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 14:19b He took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. Today’s Reading 1 At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus. 2 “He is really John the Baptist, who has come back to life,” he told his officials. “That is why he has this power to perform miracles.” 3 For Herod had earlier ordered John's arrest, and he had him tied up and put in prison. He had done this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. 4 For some time John the Baptist had told Herod, “It isn't right for you to be married to Herodias!” 5 Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of the Jewish people, because they considered John to be a prophet. 6 On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced in front of the whole group. Herod was so pleased 7 that he promised her, “I swear that I will give you anything you ask for!” 8 At her mother's suggestion she asked him, “Give me here and now the head of John the Baptist on a plate!” 9 The king was sad, but because of the promise he had made in front of all his guests he gave orders that her wish be granted. 10 So he had John beheaded in prison. 11 The head was brought in on a plate and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. 12 John's disciples came, carried away his body, and buried it; then they went and told Jesus. 13 When Jesus heard the news about John, he left there in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself. The people heard about it, and so they left their towns and followed him by land. 14 Jesus got out of the boat, and when he saw the large crowd, his heart was filled with pity for them, and he healed their sick. 15 That evening his disciples came to him and said, “It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. Send the people away and let them go to the villages to buy food for themselves.” 16 “They don't have to leave,” answered Jesus. “You yourselves give them something to eat!” 17 “All we have here are five loaves and two fish,” they replied. 18 “Then bring them here to me,” Jesus said. 19 He ordered the people to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 Everyone ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left over. 21 The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not counting the women and children. Reflect By marrying the wife of his brother while his brother was still alive, Herod was disobeying the Law of Moses (Leviticus 18:16; 20:21). Are there situations today where people of faith confront those who disobey God’s laws? What are the risks in those instances? What did Jesus do upon hearing the news of John’s death? Pray Lord Jesus, you are the true source of life. Sustain me day by day with your teachings and nourish me with your Word. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are hungry Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 14:22-36: Jesus walks on water. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 23, 2014 Author Members Posted May 23, 2014 May 22, 2014 Matthew 14:22-36 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Matthew 14:22-36: After feeding more than five thousand people, Jesus made his disciples cross the lake in a boat. While the boat was far out into the lake, Jesus appeared to them hours later, walking on the water. When they arrived on the other said of the lake, many people brought those who were sick to Jesus, and Jesus healed them. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 14:33 Then the disciples in the boat worshiped Jesus. “Truly you are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. Today’s Reading 22 Then Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people away. 23 After sending the people away, he went up a hill by himself to pray. When evening came, Jesus was there alone; 24 and by this time the boat was far out in the lake, tossed about by the waves, because the wind was blowing against it. 25 Between three and six o'clock in the morning Jesus came to the disciples, walking on the water. 26 When they saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. “It's a ghost!” they said, and screamed with fear. 27 Jesus spoke to them at once. “Courage!” he said. “It is I. Don't be afraid!” 28 Then Peter spoke up. “Lord, if it is really you, order me to come out on the water to you.” 29 “Come!” answered Jesus. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. “Save me, Lord!” he cried. 31 At once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said, “What little faith you have! Why did you doubt?” 32 They both got into the boat, and the wind died down. 33 Then the disciples in the boat worshiped Jesus. “Truly you are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. 34 They crossed the lake and came to land at Gennesaret, 35 where the people recognized Jesus. So they sent for the sick people in all the surrounding country and brought them to Jesus. 36 They begged him to let the sick at least touch the edge of his cloak; and all who touched it were made well. Reflect How did the disciples react when they saw Jesus walking on the water? What did Peter do? What happened to him? Why did Jesus say to Peter, “Why did you doubt?” Have you ever had doubts in matters of faith? Pray Lord Jesus, truly you are the Son of God! Strengthen my faith when it is weak, and help me to put my complete trust in you. In your holy name I pray, Amen. Prayer Concern Seafarers Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 15:21-39: Jesus journeys to Tyre and Sidon and then along Lake Galilee and heals a woman’s daughter and many others. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 24, 2014 Author Members Posted May 24, 2014 May 23, 2014 Matthew 15:21-39 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Matthew 15:21-39: Jesus heals the daughter of a Canaanite woman, heals many people, and feeds four thousand people with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 15:31 The people were amazed as they saw the dumb speaking, the crippled made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they praised the God of Israel. Today’s Reading 21 Jesus left that place and went off to the territory near the cities of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman who lived in that region came to him. “Son of David!” she cried out. “Have mercy on me, sir! My daughter has a demon and is in a terrible condition.” 23 But Jesus did not say a word to her. His disciples came to him and begged him, “Send her away! She is following us and making all this noise!” 24 Then Jesus replied, “I have been sent only to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.” 25 At this the woman came and fell at his feet. “Help me, sir!” she said. 26 Jesus answered, “It isn't right to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs.” 27 “That's true, sir,” she answered, “but even the dogs eat the leftovers that fall from their masters' table.” 28 So Jesus answered her, “You are a woman of great faith! What you want will be done for you.” And at that very moment her daughter was healed. 29 Jesus left there and went along by Lake Galilee. He climbed a hill and sat down. 30 Large crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the dumb, and many other sick people, whom they placed at Jesus' feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed as they saw the dumb speaking, the crippled made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they praised the God of Israel. 32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I feel sorry for these people, because they have been with me for three days and now have nothing to eat. I don't want to send them away without feeding them, for they might faint on their way home.” 33 The disciples asked him, “Where will we find enough food in this desert to feed this crowd?” 34 “How much bread do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven loaves,” they answered, “and a few small fish.” 35 So Jesus ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks to God, broke them, and gave them to the disciples; and the disciples gave them to the people. 37 They all ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up seven baskets full of pieces left over. 38 The number of men who ate was four thousand, not counting the women and children. 39 Then Jesus sent the people away, got into a boat, and went to the territory of Magadan. Reflect In today’s reading, Jesus heals the daughter of a Canaanite woman. This woman was not Jewish, and her ancestors had lived in the area before the tribes of Israel settled there hundreds of years earlier. What did Jesus say to her at first? How did she respond? For what did he commend this woman? In what ways do you demonstrate your faith? Pray I praise you, Lord Jesus. Your amazing love breaks through barriers of race, ethnicity, and culture. Help me to grow in faith and glorify you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are terminally ill Tomorrow's Reading Matthew 17:1-23: Jesus is transfigured and his true glory is revealed. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 24, 2014 Author Members Posted May 24, 2014 May 24, 2014 Matthew 17:1-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Matthew 17:1-23: Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with him up to a high mountain where he is transfigured or visibly glorified. The disciples witness Jesus speaking with Moses and Elijah. When they descend from the mountain, Jesus heals a boy with a demon. The reading concludes with Jesus speaking a second time about his death. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 17:5b A voice from the cloud said, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased – listen to him!” Today’s Reading 1 Six days later Jesus took with him Peter and the brothers James and John and led them up a high mountain where they were alone. 2 As they looked on, a change came over Jesus: his face was shining like the sun, and his clothes were dazzling white. 3 Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. 4 So Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “Lord, how good it is that we are here! If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was talking, a shining cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased—listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard the voice, they were so terrified that they threw themselves face downward on the ground. 7 Jesus came to them and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don't be afraid!” 8 So they looked up and saw no one there but Jesus. 9 As they came down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Don't tell anyone about this vision you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from death.” 10 Then the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the teachers of the Law say that Elijah has to come first?” 11 “Elijah is indeed coming first,” answered Jesus, “and he will get everything ready. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come and people did not recognize him, but treated him just as they pleased. In the same way they will also mistreat the Son of Man. ” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist. 14 When they returned to the crowd, a man came to Jesus, knelt before him, 15 and said, “Sir, have mercy on my son! He is an epileptic and has such terrible attacks that he often falls in the fire or into water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him. ” 17 Jesus answered, “How unbelieving and wrong you people are! How long must I stay with you? How long do I have to put up with you? Bring the boy here to me!” 18 Jesus gave a command to the demon, and it went out of the boy, and at that very moment he was healed. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked him, “Why couldn't we drive the demon out?” 20 “It was because you do not have enough faith,” answered Jesus. “I assure you that if you have faith as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this hill, “Go from here to there!” and it will go. You could do anything! ” 22 When the disciples all came together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be handed over to those 23 who will kill him; but three days later he will be raised to life. ” The disciples became very sad. Reflect Moses and Elijah are considered to be two of Israel’s most important leaders who called upon God’s people to live a new way of life. In today’s reading, they represent the two main sections of the Hebrew Scriptures – Moses represents the Law and Elijah represents the Prophets. Jesus’ encounter with them indicates that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures. How did the disciples react to what they had witnessed? What were they told to do? In what ways do you listen for Jesus’ voice or experience encounters with him? Pray Lord Jesus, teach me to heed your voice and listen to you. May my words and deeds reflect your love and give glory to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those afflicted with epilepsy Tomorrow's Reading Ephesians 1:1-23: The apostle Paul describes spiritual blessings. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 26, 2014 Author Members Posted May 26, 2014 May 25, 2014 Ephesians 1:1-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Ephesians 1:1-23: The apostle Paul greets the community and reminds them that they are welcomed members of God’s family because God forgives their sins through Christ. He prays that the Holy Spirit will help the followers in Ephesus to be wise and understand what it means to know God, and he reminds them that the power that raised Christ from death will be at work among those who believe. Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 1:13b You believed in Christ, and God put his stamp of ownership on you by giving you the Holy Spirit he had promised. Today’s Reading 1 From Paul, who by God's will is an apostle of Christ Jesus— To God's people in Ephesus, who are faithful in their life in union with Christ Jesus: 2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 3 Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For in our union with Christ he has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. 4 Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him. Because of his love 5 God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children—this was his pleasure and purpose. 6 Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son! 7 For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God, 8 which he gave to us in such large measure! In all his wisdom and insight 9 God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. 10 This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head. 11 All things are done according to God's plan and decision; and God chose us to be his own people in union with Christ because of his own purpose, based on what he had decided from the very beginning. 12 Let us, then, who were the first to hope in Christ, praise God's glory! 13 And you also became God's people when you heard the true message, the Good News that brought you salvation. You believed in Christ, and God put his stamp of ownership on you by giving you the Holy Spirit he had promised. 14 The Spirit is the guarantee that we shall receive what God has promised his people, and this assures us that God will give complete freedom to those who are his. Let us praise his glory! 15 For this reason, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers 17 and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him. 18 I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, 19 and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength 20 which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world. 21 Christ rules there above all heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. 22 God put all things under Christ's feet and gave him to the church as supreme Lord over all things. 23 The church is Christ's body, the completion of him who himself completes all things everywhere. Reflect Today’s reading speaks of God’s grace and “the free gift he gave us in his dear Son” (verse 6). What does it mean to you to be a recipient of God’s grace? Paul prays that the Holy Spirit “will make you wise and reveal God to you” (verse 17). In what ways has God been revealed to you? Pray Lord God, thank you for putting your stamp of ownership on me through the gift of your Holy Spirit. Open my mind to see your light so that I may know the hope to which you have called me and the richness of your wonderful blessings. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who need to hear the Good News of God’s salvation Tomorrow's Reading Ephesians 2:1-22: The apostle Paul describes the oneness in Christ that believers share. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 27, 2014 Author Members Posted May 27, 2014 May 26, 2014 Ephesians 2:1-22 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Ephesians 2:1-22: Paul says that once we were spiritually dead because of sin, but God’s abundant mercy and love brings us to new life in Christ. He says that Christ breaks down the walls that separate Jews and Gentiles, and that all who believe in Jesus are united in one body. Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 2:5b It is by God’s grace that you have been saved. Today’s Reading 1 In the past you were spiritually dead because of your disobedience and sins. 2 At that time you followed the world's evil way; you obeyed the ruler of the spiritual powers in space, the spirit who now controls the people who disobey God. 3 Actually all of us were like them and lived according to our natural desires, doing whatever suited the wishes of our own bodies and minds. In our natural condition we, like everyone else, were destined to suffer God's anger. 4 But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, 5 that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved. 6 In our union with Christ Jesus he raised us up with him to rule with him in the heavenly world. 7 He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of his grace in the love he showed us in Christ Jesus. 8-9 For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it. 10 God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do. 11 You Gentiles by birth—called “the uncircumcised” by the Jews, who call themselves the circumcised (which refers to what men do to their bodies)—remember what you were in the past. 12 At that time you were apart from Christ. You were foreigners and did not belong to God's chosen people. You had no part in the covenants, which were based on God's promises to his people, and you lived in this world without hope and without God. 13 But now, in union with Christ Jesus you, who used to be far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For Christ himself has brought us peace by making Jews and Gentiles one people. With his own body he broke down the wall that separated them and kept them enemies. 15 He abolished the Jewish Law with its commandments and rules, in order to create out of the two races one new people in union with himself, in this way making peace. 16 By his death on the cross Christ destroyed their enmity; by means of the cross he united both races into one body and brought them back to God. 17 So Christ came and preached the Good News of peace to all—to you Gentiles, who were far away from God, and to the Jews, who were near to him. 18 It is through Christ that all of us, Jews and Gentiles, are able to come in the one Spirit into the presence of the Father. 19 So then, you Gentiles are not foreigners or strangers any longer; you are now citizens together with God's people and members of the family of God. 20 You, too, are built upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus himself. 21 He is the one who holds the whole building together and makes it grow into a sacred temple dedicated to the Lord. 22 In union with him you too are being built together with all the others into a place where God lives through his Spirit. Reflect Reread verses 4-10. In your own words, describe what Paul teaches about God’s grace. Reread verses 14-19. Some Jews interpreted the Law of Moses to mean that they should have no contact with Gentiles. How does Paul’s message contradict that belief? Who belongs to God’s family, according to Paul? How does someone become a part of God’s family? In what ways does your community of faith invite people to become part of God’s family? Pray Sovereign God, thank you for the ways in which you transcend our differences. Be present amid communities in conflict, that peace and reconciliation may replace turmoil and strife. Amen. Prayer Concern Communities engaged in interfaith dialogue Tomorrow's Reading Ephesians 3:1-21: The apostle Paul describes his call to minister to the Gentiles. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted May 28, 2014 Author Members Posted May 28, 2014 May 27, 2014 Ephesians 3:1-21 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Renewing Us in Faith Introduction Ephesians 3:1-21: Paul says that he was called specifically for the purpose of ministering to the Gentiles—people who are not Jewish. He says that the Holy Spirit reveals that all people can share in the promise that God first gave to the ancient Israelites because Christ’s love extends beyond human boundaries. Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 3:21 To God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen. Today’s Reading 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles, pray to God. 2 Surely you have heard that God in his grace has given me this work to do for your good. 3 God revealed his secret plan and made it known to me. (I have written briefly about this, 4 and if you will read what I have written, you can learn about my understanding of the secret of Christ.) 5 In past times human beings were not told this secret, but God has revealed it now by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. 6 The secret is that by means of the gospel the Gentiles have a part with the Jews in God's blessings; they are members of the same body and share in the promise that God made through Christ Jesus. 7 I was made a servant of the gospel by God's special gift, which he gave me through the working of his power. 8 I am less than the least of all God's people; yet God gave me this privilege of taking to the Gentiles the Good News about the infinite riches of Christ, 9 and of making all people see how God's secret plan is to be put into effect. God, who is the Creator of all things, kept his secret hidden through all the past ages, 10 in order that at the present time, by means of the church, the angelic rulers and powers in the heavenly world might learn of his wisdom in all its different forms. 11 God did this according to his eternal purpose, which he achieved through Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In union with Christ and through our faith in him we have the boldness to go into God's presence with all confidence. 13 I beg you, then, not to be discouraged because I am suffering for you; it is all for your benefit. 14 For this reason I fall on my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name. 16 I ask God from the wealth of his glory to give you power through his Spirit to be strong in your inner selves, 17 and I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, 18 so that you, together with all God's people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ's love. 19 Yes, may you come to know his love—although it can never be fully known—and so be completely filled with the very nature of God. 20 To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of: 21 to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen. Reflect Paul suggests that God waited to reveal the inclusion of the Gentiles because God reveals new things in God’s time. Are there still things that God has yet to reveal? Reread verse 20. In what ways do those words challenge your thinking about the power of God working in you? Pray God of great love, forgive me for the times when I fail to love as you love. Open my heart to the vast depth of your love for all people, that I may learn to love like you. Amen. Prayer Concern Disaster relief workers Tomorrow's Reading Ephesians 4:1-16: The apostle Paul writes about the unity we share in Christ Jesus. 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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