Today's Readings and Stuff -- Saturday, 17 August 2013

running late today, sorry

the 'morning' reading - Old Testament  --  is Psalms 107 and 108.

Psalm  107 

	O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2	Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
3	And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
4	They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
5	Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
6	Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
7	And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
8	Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
9	For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
10	Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;
11	Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
12	Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.
13	Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.
14	He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
15	Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
16	For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
17	Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
18	Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
19	Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.
20	He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
21	Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
22	And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
23	They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
24	These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
25	For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
26	They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
27	They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.
28	Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
29	He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
30	Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
31	Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
32	Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
33	He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
34	A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
35	He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
36	And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
37	And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
38	He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
39	Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
40	He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
41	Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
42	The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
43	Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

Psalm 108  

1	O god, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
2	Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
3	I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.
4	For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.
5	Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;
6	That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.
7	God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
8	Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;
9	Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.
10	Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
11	Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts?
12	Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
13	Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

The 'evening' reading, New Testament - is verses 21-33 of Romans 15.

Romans 15:21-33  

21	But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
22	For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
23	But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
24	Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
25	But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
26	For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
27	It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
28	When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
29	And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30	Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
31	That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
32	That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
33	Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Friday, 16 August 2013

for many years, the greeting of the day was "Happy Friday!".  Guess that means more when you're still in the work world.  As a brand-new retiree, it has lost a lot of the impact.  Not sure that I really like this.  Dear Wife likes having me around, especially as she is going through a rough time right now, what with her on a form of chemotherapy intended to be a desperate attempt to deal with the effects of advanced autoimmune diseases.  And I like being able to be there to support her.  But I also miss the interaction with others.  We shall see if there is some better way to do this:  am sure I'm not the first person to be dealing with all of this.

The Old Testament reading for the day continues in the Psalms.  The Psalms, like many hymns, are cries from the heart.  Some of David's psalms were literally when he was running for his life, and others were in the midst of horrendous troubles and pain.  So he cried out to the Lord.  Nothing wrong with that.  Others were praise and thanks for the Lord's deliverance, provision, protection, forgiveness, presence.  Nothing wrong with that either.  Wouldn't hurt for any of us to make a record for those who follow, a testimony to the Lord's presence in our lives. 

So today we turn to Psalms 105 and 106.  Not a bad thing to rehearse the Lord's works and how they've changed our world.

Psalm 105  

1	O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
2	Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
3	Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
4	Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.
5	Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
6	O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.
7	He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth.
8	He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.
9	Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;
10	And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:
11	Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:
12	When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.
13	When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people;
14	He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;
15	Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
16	Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.
17	He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:
18	Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:
19	Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.
20	The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free.
21	He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:
22	To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.
23	Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.
24	And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.
25	He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants.
26	He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen.
27	They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.
28	He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.
29	He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish.
30	Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings.
31	He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.
32	He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.
33	He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.
34	He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,
35	And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.
36	He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.
37	He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
38	Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.
39	He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.
40	The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.
41	He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.
42	For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.
43	And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
44	And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people;
45	That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalm 106  

1	Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2	Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?
3	Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
4	Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
5	That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.
6	We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.
7	Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.
8	Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.
9	He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.
10	And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
11	And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.
12	Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.
13	They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:
14	But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.
15	And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
16	They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.
17	The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan and covered the company of Abiram.
18	And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.
19	They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.
20	Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.
21	They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;
22	Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.
23	Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.
24	Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:
25	But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.
26	Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:
27	To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.
28	They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.
29	Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.
30	Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.
31	And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.
32	They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:
33	Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
34	They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:
35	But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.
36	And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.
37	Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,
38	And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.
39	Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.
40	Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
41	And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.
42	Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.
43	Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.
44	Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
45	And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.
46	He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.
47	Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.
48	Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.

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The New Testament reading is verses 1-20 of Romans chapter 15.  Verse 13 has special meaning for me:  it was a standard benediction at the conclusion of the worship service in the country church I grew up in.  Not the only one, but a very standard one.  Seems to fit in that situation very well.

Romans 15:1-20  Back to Top

1	We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2	Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
3	For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
4	For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
5	Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6	That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7	Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
8	Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
9	And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
10	And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
11	And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
12	And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
13	Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
14	And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
15	Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
16	That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
17	I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
18	For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
19	Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
20	Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Thursday, 15 August 2013

Thursday.  I am in my first week of retirement.  Haven't had this much downtime, voluntarily, since I was in high school, more than 40 years ago.  Don't think this is for me, but until we accomplish the relocation, the days' schedules are likely to be a bit loose.  It does give time to catch up on the time with Dear Wife that we've both been missing for the last five years.  That job was, well, difficult.  Nice to have the income and all that went with it.  And I did meet some wonderful people and had some neat outreach experiences.  But the schedule was about to kill me, you try an hour's commute, followed by 12 hours of strenuous stuff while trying to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, and then head home at dawn.  For half the pay you'd normally get (or less) and all of this often six days a week and changeable with no notice whatever -- frequently got re-routed while en route to work.  So that part is no loss.  But the loss of some sense of purpose does hurt.  I do believe, Dear Wife and I both believe, that this is the Lord's way of changing our direction and placing us in a different place of ministry.  And we do both believe that He knows what He's doing.  So bear with me as we go through this process.

The morning's reading is Psalms 103 and 104.  Psalm 103 is a personal favorite from way back.  But note the difference here.  Psalm 103 is hymn ABOUT the Lord.  Psalm 104 is a hymn TO the Lord.  There's a difference, and a place in our worship for both.  And note too that both are focused on Him, not on us.  That's not always the case in the music and worship patterns in our churches, unfortunately.

Psalm 103  

1	Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2	Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3	Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4	Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5	Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6	The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7	He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8	The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9	He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10	He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11	For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12	As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13	Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14	For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15	As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16	For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17	But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18	To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19	The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20	Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21	Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22	Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Psalm 104  

1	Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.
2	Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:
3	Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:
4	Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:
5	Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.
6	Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.
7	At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.
8	They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them.
9	Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.
10	He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.
11	They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst.
12	By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.
13	He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.
14	He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;
15	And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.
16	The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;
17	Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house.
18	The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.
19	He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.
20	Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.
21	The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.
22	The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.
23	Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.
24	O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
25	So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.
26	There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.
27	These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
28	That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.
29	Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
30	Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.
31	The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works.
32	He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.
33	I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34	My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.
35	Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.

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the New Testament passage for the day is chapter 14 in Paul's letter to the Romans.  As ever, when reading Romans, consider every word and phrase very carefully.  Please.  I've been around for some church squabbles, and came in shortly after some bruising battles.  Many of which were over matters that I don't regard as central to the faith, though in a few cases they did touch on practice both within the walls of the church house and in the day to day behavior.  I think perhaps more attention might have been paid to this passage.

Romans 14 

1	Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
2	For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
3	Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
4	Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
5	One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
6	He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
7	For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
8	For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
9	For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
10	But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11	For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12	So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13	Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
14	I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15	But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
16	Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
17	For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
18	For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
19	Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
20	For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
21	It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
22	Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
23	And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Wednesday, 14 August, 2013

Middle of the week, or something like that.  This retirement thing has me a bit at loose ends, I need to establish some sort of a regular routine before I just vegetate.

This morning's Old Testament reading is Psalms 99 - 102.  I am grateful, now, that when I was a child the church we were in required Scripture memorization of the children and youth.  The result is that now, I have quick access to passages such as Psalm 100.  Believe me, it has been most useful over the years as a check, a comfort, a reminder.  And there are many more.  Perhaps such disciplines have fallen out of favor.  I hope not, these have long range effects and benefits.  Adults are allowed this as well, you know.

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Psalm 99 

1	The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.
2	The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people.
3	Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.
4	The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
5	Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
6	Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
7	He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.
8	Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.
9	Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.

Psalm 100  

1	Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2	Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3	Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4	Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5	For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 101  

1	I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.
2	I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
3	I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
4	A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
5	Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
6	Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
7	He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
8	I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

Psalm 102 

1	Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.
2	Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.
3	For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.
4	My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.
5	By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.
6	I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.
7	I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
8	Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.
9	For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping.
10	Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.
11	My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.
12	But thou, O LORD, shall endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.
13	Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.
14	For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.
15	So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.
16	When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.
17	He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.
18	This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.
19	For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;
20	To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;
21	To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;
22	When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.
23	He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days.
24	I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations.
25	Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
26	They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
27	But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
28	The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.

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Today's New Testament reading is chapter 13 in Paul's letter to the Romans.  It is hard to overstate the importance of the book of Romans in Christianity.  Here are some examples.

Romans 13

1	Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2	Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3	For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4	For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5	Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6	For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7	Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
8	Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
9	For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
10	Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
11	And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12	The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
13	Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14	But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.