Today's Readings and Stuff -- Saturday, 24 August 2013

Happy Saturday to all.  Another day before us of running around, setting up for the relocation.  In the midst of it, we have to run to the AT&T store near us.  Dear Wife just got a new phone (we have an arrangement for periodic upgrades to new phones).  Loves it, has only had it a few weeks.  DIED last night.  D-E-D dead (as the bad joke has it).  So, now off to see what they can do to satisfy her.  We shall see.  Generally, their equipment is pretty good.  Service and coverage, not so much.  So.  We shall see.

The morning's reading is Psalms 120, 121, 122, 123.  You may be familiar with 121 and 122, they are certainly favorites of mine.

Psalm 120  

1	In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.
2	Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
3	What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?
4	Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
5	Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
6	My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace.
7	I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.

Psalm 121

1	I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2	My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3	He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4	Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5	The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6	The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7	The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8	The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Psalm 122 

1	I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
2	Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.
3	Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:
4	Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD.
5	For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
6	Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
7	Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
8	For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
9	Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.

Psalm 123

1	Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
2	Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
3	Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
4	Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.

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The evening reading is 1st Corinthians chapter 6.  Pay attention to the section ending in verse 11.  "and such were some of you".  Good idea to recall where we've come from and out of, before we get too puffed up and full of ourselves.

I Corinthians 6  Back to Top

1	Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
2	Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
3	Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
4	If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
5	I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
6	But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
7	Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
8	Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.
9	Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10	Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11	And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
12	All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
13	Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
14	And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
15	Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
16	What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
17	But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
18	Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19	What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20	For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Friday, 23 August 2013

Friday.  Does not seem the same when you haven't been at work all week.  Definitely am not used to this and not at all sure that I like it.  We'll see.  It is nice having some time with Dear Wife, have had almost none of that for the last 5-1/2 years, what with me working six days more often than not, and 10-13 hour days most of that (not counting the two-hour round trip commute for a year of so of that, and a one hour round trip for all the rest). So the last two weeks have been somewhat of a second honeymoon, not bad for us who are hoping to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in a few weeks.

Finally got our packing boxes yesterday.  LOTS of them.  Started packing a little bit last night after things cooled a bit.  I haven't made much mention of it,  but we live in Lower Alabama, one of the warmer parts of the USA.  Our central air went out in late summer 2009 and we've not had the funds to fix it.  And where we live forbids, absolutely, the use of window A/C units.  So it's been, umm, warm in our modest home.  Another incentive to relocate up north.  If my employer had kept some of the solemn promises made to me .........  but that didn't happen.  So we move.  Get up north in time to see the snow fly, with my luck.  Ah, well.

The Old Testament reading for the morning is verses 105-176, completing this most lengthy of all the Psalms.

Psalm 119:105-176 

105	Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
106	I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107	I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
108	Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
109	My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
110	The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111	Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112	I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
113	I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
114	Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
115	Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
116	Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117	Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
118	Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
119	Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
120	My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
121	I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
122	Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
123	Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
124	Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
125	I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
126	It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
127	Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
128	Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
129	Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
130	The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
131	I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
132	Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
133	Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
134	Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
135	Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
136	Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
137	Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
138	Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
139	My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
140	Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
141	I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
142	Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
143	Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
144	The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
145	I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
146	I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
147	I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
148	Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
149	Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
150	They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
151	Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
152	Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
153	Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
154	Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
155	Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
156	Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
157	Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
158	I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
159	Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
160	Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
161	Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
162	I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
163	I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
164	Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
165	Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
166	LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
167	My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
168	I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
169	Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
170	Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
171	My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
172	My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
173	Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
174	I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
175	Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
176	I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

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The New Testament reading is chapter 5 of 1st Corinthians.  Sin in the church, in the Body of Christ.  Not A Good Thing, then or now.  Still a problem, and we hear some of the same excuses.  I received word the other day of a scandal in a church in Atlanta, it seems that one of the pastors (married) is not only engaged in sexual affairs with some of the members, but has managed to transmit the HIV virus to several.  I know of similar issues in churches from Erie, Pennsylvania to Dallas, Texas and several places in between, including several here in Lower Alabama.  Some of which involve homosexual affairs with children.  That is in addition to some financial peculation and other misbehavior.  Both in the pulpit and the pews.  This does not honor the Lord.  My own children recently told me of some matters that went on in a church we were members of, in western Arkansas, ten years ago.  Things I truly did not know.  Too late now.

I Corinthians 5 

1	It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
2	And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
3	For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
4	In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
5	To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6	Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
7	Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8	Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9	I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10	Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11	But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12	For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13	But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Thursday, 22 August 2013

Not sure I like this retirement stuff.  Feels odd, not running off to work every day.  Did it almost daily since around 1969.  That's a LONG time, and the habit is not easy to break.  Not sure I want to, actually.  The specific circumstances that have led to the current situation I may speak of, at another time.  Suffice it to say that I had not intended to make this change for about another seven years.  We shall see.

Been an active day nonetheless.  Dealing with some tax issues, hopefully resolved now, and some other financial matters that we are on our way to resolving.  Picked up some prescriptions for someone who doesn't drive (or own a car) and was in too much pain to ride along.  Picked up a few items at the Wally World for our own use.  Did some laundry.  Working on the dishwasher, we've had a part break inside, so tomorrow it's off to the appliance repair shop to buy a replacement.  Did dishes by hand in the interim, which doesn't bother me all that much:  did it that way most of my life.  Patted a couple of Dear Wife's cats (she has three, all attention hogs and very jealous of each other).  Some other odds and ends around.  Prepping for the lessons Sunday morning and the following.  On the phone with a couple of executive recruiters (a.k.a. "headhunters") who are suddenly interested in me for jobs paying in the high $80's, something I could have used three months ago.  But this move has taken on a momentum of its own.  So we shall see.  After the move, I'll be lucky to find a part-time job bagging groceries at minimum wage, but we shall see.  Oh, and call for Dear Wife, notifying her of yet another doctor exam required as part of her ongoing application for Disability.  She's already adjudged legally blind, among other issues.  But no award yet.  Meanwhile, we have people in this town deliberately contracting HIV in order to be awarded a platter of benefits such that they never again need to work.  Doesn't seem right, somehow.  Not too bitter, am I?

The morning's reading is verses 49-104 of Psalm 119.  I am not Hebrew-literate.  I have been told that this Psalm is, in Hebrew, a form such that the various sections have verses all beginning with the same Hebrew letter.  In a couple of my Bibles, and perhaps yours, you'll see these identified.  So one section will be listed as aleph, another gimel and so forth.  Not a form often used in English, but interesting.

Psalm 119:49-104

49	Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
50	This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
51	The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
52	I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
53	Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54	Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55	I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
56	This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
57	Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
58	I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.
59	I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
60	I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
61	The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
62	At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
63	I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
64	The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
65	Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
66	Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
67	Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
68	Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
69	The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
70	Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
71	It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
72	The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
73	Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
74	They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
75	I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
76	Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
77	Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
78	Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
79	Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
80	Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
81	My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
82	Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
83	For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
84	How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
85	The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
86	All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
87	They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
88	Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
89	For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
90	Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
91	They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
92	Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
93	I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
94	I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts.
95	The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
96	I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
97	O how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
98	Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
99	I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
100	I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
101	I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
102	I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
103	How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104	Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

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The evening reading is chapter 4 in 1st Corinthians.  Paul is giving instruction in living the Christian life as well as being the church.  I would be nervous about verse 16, but it's a legitimate calling for ALL believers.  A high standard, true, and one I don't do well.  But that is no excuse.

I Corinthians 4

1	Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2	Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
3	But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
4	For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
5	Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
6	And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
7	For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
8	Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
9	For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
10	We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
11	Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
12	And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
13	Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
14	I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
15	For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
16	Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
17	For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
18	Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
19	But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
20	For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
21	What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Wednesday, 21 August 2013

G'morning.  We'll try to do this right today, just to see what that looks like.  Maybe.

The morning's Old Testament reading is Psalm 119, verses 1-48.  This is, by far, the longest of all of the Psalms.  We'll be here for several days.

Psalm 119:1-48 

1	Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
2	Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3	They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
4	Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
5	O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
6	Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7	I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
8	I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
9	Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10	With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11	Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12	Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
13	With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14	I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15	I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16	I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
17	Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
18	Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
19	I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
20	My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
21	Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
22	Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
23	Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
24	Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
25	My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
26	I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
27	Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
28	My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
29	Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
30	I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
31	I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
32	I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
33	Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
34	Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35	Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
36	Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
37	Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
38	Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
39	Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
40	Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
41	Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
42	So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
43	And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
44	So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
45	And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
46	I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
47	And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
48	My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

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The evening's reading, from the New Testament, has us in 1st Corinthians, chapter 3.  As you see, factionalism is not a new thing, it had already begun even in the earliest days.  Sadly, it continues unabated even today.  I grew up in an Anabaptist denomination that regards itself as a "peace" church, yet fighting over matters great and (to most observers) small, is no less prevalent nor vicious for all of that.  There is something to be said for standing on essential principles, but I don't think Christ is honored in much of this.  Either now, or in the time of the early Church.  Don't think Paul thought so either.

I Corinthians 3

1	And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2	I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3	For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4	For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5	Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6	I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
7	So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8	Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9	For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
10	According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11	For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12	Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13	Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14	If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15	If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
16	Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17	If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
18	Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
19	For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
20	And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
21	Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;
22	Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your's;
23	And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Tuesday, 20 August 2013

Another day is here and, sorry, is about half over.  Have not really set in the new schedule.  The chance to sleep REAL late has been hard to resist, but at the same time there's stuff to be done.  I have not got this down real well, yet.  Bear with us, it's all a bit new.

The day's Old Testament passage is Psalms 116, 117, 118.  Back when I was a kid, back in The Dark Ages, we were required to memorize Scripture.  Psalm 117 was a perennial favorite, being only two verses long.  But I still remember it, and it's been a treasure to me more than once.  Lots to be said for "They Word have I hid in my heart" approaches.  Builds something of a foundation.

Psalm 116

1	I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2	Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3	The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
4	Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5	Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6	The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7	Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8	For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9	I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10	I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
11	I said in my haste, All men are liars.
12	What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
13	I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
14	I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
15	Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
16	O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
17	I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
18	I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
19	In the courts of the LORD's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalm 117  

1	O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
2	For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalm 118  

1	O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
2	Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
3	Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
4	Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
5	I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
6	The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
7	The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
8	It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
9	It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
10	All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
11	They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
12	They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
13	Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.
14	The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
15	The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
16	The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
17	I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
18	The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.
19	Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
20	This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
21	I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
22	The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23	This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24	This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25	Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
26	Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
27	God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
28	Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
29	O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

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The New Testament reading is chapter 2 of 1st Corinthians.  A letter from Paul to a young church.  Valuable for us as well.

I Corinthians 2 

1	And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2	For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3	And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4	And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5	That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
6	Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7	But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8	Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9	But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10	But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11	For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12	Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13	Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14	But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15	But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16	For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.