My Meditations on the Daily Lectionary

Lest I Be Torn Apart--Jan. 31, 2012

2012-01-30T23:37:00.003-05:00

Be my refuge, O Lord my God.

I am pursued by doubts and fears,
greed and selfishness, hubris and guilt.
Deliver me, O Lord, lest I be torn apart.

God of promises, I see your promises
from far away and I fear to trust them;
help me hear you and learn from you,

that I may come to Jesus,
who is your greatest promise,
and in whose promise we find life.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 12; 146; 36; 7
Gen. 21:1-21
Heb. 11:13-22
John 6:41-51

Selected Verses
Ps. 7:1-2a
O LORD my God, in you I take refuge;
save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me,
or like a lion they will tear me apart…

Gen. 21:1
The LORD dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as he had promised.

Heb. 11:13a
All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them.

John 6:45
"…It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. …" [Jesus to those who were complaining about him]

Like the Smoke of a Furnace--Jan. 30, 2012

2012-01-29T22:30:00.000-05:00

We stand and watch the smoke of the land
go up like the smoke of a furnace,
and with a shock we realize
we are only human.

And we understand:
we must not work for food
that perishes, but for living bread,
for your food that endures for eternal life.

God, we pray for the assurance of things
hoped for and the conviction
of things not seen.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 62; 145; 73; 9
Gen. 19:1-29
Heb. 11:1-12
John 6:27-40

Selected Verses
Ps. 9:20
Put them in fear, O LORD;
let the nations know that they are only human. Selah

Gen. 19:28
…and [Abraham] looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the Plain and saw the smoke of the land going up like the smoke of a furnace.

Heb. 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

John 6:27a
"Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. …" [Jesus to the crowd that followed him]

Mortal, Can You See?--Jan. 29, 2012

2012-01-28T22:43:00.001-05:00

God examines us:
Can you see anything, mortal?

I am leading you by the Spirit;
are you living by the Spirit?

I make you lie down in green pastures--
take time to enjoy the still waters.

I want to restore your soul, but it is
too full of passions and desires.

Are you still bargaining with me?
Do you not see anything?

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 108; 150; 66; 23
Gen. 18:16-33
Gal. 5:13-25
Mark 8:22-30

Selected Verses
Ps. 23:1-3a
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.

Gen. 18:23
Then Abraham came near [the LORD] and said, "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? …"

Gal. 5:24-25
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

Mark 8:23
[Jesus] took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Can you see anything?"

In the Same Boat--Jan. 28, 2012

2012-01-27T23:14:00.001-05:00

In the heat of the day, by the oaks of Mamre,
once you appeared to Abraham.

It is a fearful thing to fall into your hands,
or so we are told in Hebrews.

Yet you have made us, and we are yours--
your people, sheep of your pasture.

The disciples wanted Jesus in the boat
with them; we want you, too.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 122; 149; 100; 63
Gen. 18:1-16
Heb. 10:26-39
John 6:16-27

Selected Verses
Ps. 100:3
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Gen. 18:1
The LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day.

Heb. 10:31
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

John 6:20-21
But [Jesus] said to [his disciples], "It is I; do not be afraid." Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.

Gather Up the Fragments--Jan. 27, 2012

2012-01-26T22:30:00.001-05:00

Lord, teach us to
provoke one another
to love and good deeds as
we meet to feast on your gifts,
gifts much too precious to be lost;
even the fragments we must gather up,
for though satisfied today with your bounty,
tomorrow we may hunger for your gifts again.
In the morning we cry out to you; hear our prayer,
and when you leave us, we will remember your words
as together we gather up the fragments of them.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 88; 148; 6; 20
Gen. 17:15-27
Heb. 10:11-25
John 6:1-15

Selected Verses
Ps. 88:13
But I, O LORD, cry out to you;
in the morning my prayer comes before you.

Gen. 17:22
And when he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.

Heb. 10:25-25b
And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…

John 6:12
When [all the people] were satisfied, [Jesus] told his disciples, "Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost."

Blameless Before You?--Jan. 26, 2012

2012-01-25T23:51:00.002-05:00

Almighty God, you called Abram
to walk before you and be blameless;
but no one living is righteous before you.

Clearly the law does not cleanse us once for all,
or we would not need continually to renew the cleansing.

Unlike Jesus, we seek to do our own will, not yours.
For his sake, do not enter into judgment with us.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 143; 147:12-20; 81; 116
Gen. 16:15-17:14
Heb. 10:1-10
John 5:30-47

Selected Verses
Ps. 143:2
Do not enter into judgment with your servant,
for no one living is righteous before you.

Gen. 17:1
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. …"

Heb. 10:1-2
Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who approach. Otherwise, would they not have ceased being offered, since the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sin?

John 5:30
"I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me. …" [Jesus to his critics]

Astonishment and Hope--Jan. 25, 2012

2012-01-24T23:48:00.002-05:00

Lord, truly you astonish us and give us hope.
We who do not know where we are going--
hardly even where we have come from--
are astonished at your awesome deeds.

For on our behalf you lived on earth
to show us what God's love is like;
on our behalf you entered heaven;
with God you have delivered us.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 65; 147:1-11; 125; 91
Gen. 16:1-14
Heb. 9:15-28
John 5:19-29

Selected Verses
Ps. 65:5
By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance,
O God of our salvation;
you are the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas.

Gen. 16:8
And [the angel of the LORD] said, "Hagar, slave-girl of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?" She said, "I am running away from my mistress Sarai."

Heb. 9:24
For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

John 5:20
"…The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. …" [Jesus to his critics]

How Shall I Know?--Jan. 24, 2012

2012-01-23T23:24:00.002-05:00

How shall I know you will keep your promises?
(Moses asked for a sign that he would possess the land.)

How shall I know who it was that healed me?
(The invalid by the Sheep Gate did not recognize Jesus.)

Will regulations for how to worship you be any help?
Happy are those whose help and hope are in you.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 54; 146; 28; 99
Gen. 15:1-11, 17-21
Heb. 9:1-14
John 5:1-18

Selected Verses
Ps. 146:5
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God…

Gen. 15:7-8
Then [the LORD] said to [Abram], "I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess." But he said, "O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?"

Heb. 9:1
Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary.

John 5:13
Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the crowd that was there.

How Far?--Jan. 23, 2012

2012-01-22T23:09:00.002-05:00

Abram took his army all the way to Hobah
in pursuit of his nephew's captors;

the royal official went from Capernaum to Cana
to plea with Jesus for the life of his son.

These are examples of how far earthly love takes us,
but there is no boundary to your love for us,

for you are merciful toward our iniquities
and remember our sins no more.

We clap our hands before you, O God;
we shout out loud songs of joy.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 57; 145; 85; 47
Gen. 14:1-24
Heb. 8:1-13
John 4:43-54

Selected Verses
Ps. 47:1
Clap your hands, all you peoples;
shout to God with loud songs of joy.

Gen. 14:14-15
When Abram heard that his nephew had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred eighteen of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and routed them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus.

Heb. 8:12
"…For I will be merciful toward their iniquities,
and I will remember their sins no more."
[The quotation is from Jer. 31:34, where the prophet speaks for God.]

John 4:46b-47
Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.

Whom to Remember--Jan. 22, 2012

2012-01-21T23:45:00.002-05:00

Abram was rich in silver and gold and livestock,
but that is not why we remember Abram.
Jesus was not rich in things of this world,
but we remember that he did everything well.

Peter, James, and John asked only one thing of Paul--
that he and the gentile Christians remember the poor.
They must have learned this emphasis from Jesus.
The earth has yielded its increase for us.
Let us remember the poor also.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 67; 150; 46; 93
Gen. 13:2-18
Gal. 2:1-10
Mark 7:31-37

Selected Verses
Ps. 67:6
The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, has blessed us.

Gen. 13:2
Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.

Gal. 2:10
[James, Cephas, and John] asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do.

Mark 7:37
[Those who had witnessed the healing of the deaf man] were astounded beyond measure, saying, "He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak."

Redeemed and Sent--Jan. 21, 2012

2012-01-20T22:42:00.000-05:00

Holy and awesome is your name, O God;
you have sent redemption to your people.

We try to save ourselves through pretense,
which only gets us booted out of Egypt.

Jesus lives to make intercession for us;
help us approach you through him.

He sends us to reap that for
which we did not labor.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 56; 149; 118; 111
Gen. 12:9-13:1
Heb. 7:18-28
John 4:27-42

Selected Verses
Ps 111:9
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.

Gen. 12:13
"…Say you are my sister, so that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared on your account." [Abram to Sarai, before they entered Egypt]

Heb. 7:25
Consequently [Jesus] is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

John 4:38
"…I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor." [Jesus to his disciples]

Our Priest Forever--Jan. 20, 2012

2012-01-19T23:50:00.002-05:00

Forgive our transgressions, O Christ, and cover our sin,
that we may worship you in spirit and in truth,
free from all deceit and self-deception.

Then send us out to the new land that you will show us
through the power of your indestructible life,
for surely you are our priest forever.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 130; 148; 32; 139
Gen. 11:27-12:8
Heb. 7:1-17
John 4:16-26

Selected Verses
Ps. 32:1-2
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
      whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
      and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Gen. 12:1
Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. …"

Heb. 7:17
For it is attested of [our Lord],
      "You are a priest forever,
      according to the order of Melchiedek."

John 4:23
"…But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. …" [Jesus to the Samaritan woman]

From the River of Your Delights--Jan. 19, 2012

2012-01-18T23:20:00.002-05:00

God, your people are scattered abroad
upon the face of the whole earth;
but you have given us all a hope,
a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.

You have given us your Living Water,
water that will satisfy our thirst,
water gushing up to eternal life,
water from the river of your delights.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 36; 147:12-20; 80; 27
Gen. 11:1-9
Heb. 6:13-20
John 4:1-15

Selected Verses
Ps. 36:7-8
How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

Gen. 11:4
Then [the people of the earth] said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth."

Heb. 6:19
We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain…

John 4:13-14
Jesus said to [the Samaritan woman], "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life."

Our Role and God's--Jan. 18, 2012

2012-01-17T22:44:00.000-05:00

Shem and Japheth covered the nakedness of their drunken father.
John was willing to decrease, that Jesus might increase.

To diminish oneself that others may grow,
to cover the shame of the helpless--
such acts receive your blessing.

You cover the heavens with clouds
and supply the rain that falls upon the soil,
but to produce a crop the soil must drink it up.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 15; 147:1-11; 48; 4
Gen. 9:18-29
Heb. 6:1-12
John 3:22-36

Selected Verses
Ps. 147:8
He covers the heavens with clouds,
prepares rain for the earth,
makes grass grow on the hills.

Gen. 9:23
Then Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father's nakedness.

Heb. 6:7
Ground that drinks up the rain falling on it repeatedly, and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.

John 3:30
"… [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease." [John the Baptizer to his disciples]

Much to Love--Jan. 17, 2012

2012-01-16T23:48:00.002-05:00

Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them,
our help and our hope are in you.

I have become dull in understanding,
but I am thinking all your covenants spring
from your love of the world--not only humans
but love of every living creature you have made.

If you love the creatures, you must love the air and earth
and water--all that you have made to be their dwelling places.
And if that is so, and if you love us, then we must love them too.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 123; 146; 30; 86
Gen. 9:1-17
Heb. 5:7-14
John 3:16-21

Selected Verses
Ps. 146:5-6a
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them…

Gen. 9:8-10a
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you…"

Heb. 5:11
About this we have much to say that is hard to explain, since you have become dull in understanding.

John 3:16
"… For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. …" [Jesus to Nicodemus]

Sufficient for Noah, Sufficient for Us--Jan. 16, 2011

2012-01-15T22:48:00.002-05:00

In the evening the dove came back to Noah,
who did not know where it had flown
except that it bore an olive leaf,
and that was sufficient.

The wind blows where it chooses,
we do not know where it
comes from or goes
(like the Dove).

We approach your throne of grace;
we approach with boldness,
expecting your mercy
in time of need.

What will happen, we do not know--only that
you are good to all, with compassion
over all you have made--
which is sufficient.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 135; 145; 97; 112
Gen. 8:6-22
Heb. 4:14-5:6
John 2:23-3:15

Selected Verses
Ps. 145:9
The Lord is good to all,
and his compassion is over all that he has made.

Gen. 8:11
…and the dove came back to [Noah] in the evening, and there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf; so Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth.

Heb. 4:16
Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

John 3:8
"…The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." [Jesus to Nicodemus]

All You Command?--Jan. 15, 2012

2012-01-14T21:33:00.002-05:00

It is said of Noah that he did
all you commanded him to do.
That would not be said of us.

You have called us to be with you, and we have come;
but often we fail to listen to you or walk in your ways.

Help us to lead lives worthy of your call, with all humility
and gentleness, with patience, bearing one another in love;

and may we make every effort to maintain
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 19; 150; 81; 113
Gen. 7:1-10; 17-23
Eph. 4:1-16
Mark 3:7-19

Selected Verses
Ps. 81:13
O that my people would listen to me,
that Israel would walk in my ways!

Gen. 7:5
And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him.

Eph. 4:1-3
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Mark 3:13
[Jesus] went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him.

Naked and Laid Bare--Jan. 14, 2012

2012-01-13T23:59:00.002-05:00

Before you we are naked, laid bare to your eyes;
we should be driven out of the temple.

Yet you have provided an ark
to ride out the floods.

In your steadfast love
you have given us a covenant.

Fulfill your purpose for us, O God,
and do not forsake the work of your hands.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 104; 149; 138; 98
Gen. 6:9-22
Heb. 4:1-13
John 2:13-22

Selected Verses
Ps. 138:8
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Gen. 6:18
"… But I will establish my covenant with you; and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you. …" [God to Noah]

Heb. 4:13
And before [God] no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.

John 2:15a
Making a whip of cords, [Jesus] drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle.

With You to Capernaum--Jan. 13, 2012

2012-01-12T22:46:00.001-05:00

I would like to have gone with you to Capernaum,
Jesus--with you and your family and friends.

You could have taught me to have truth in my
inward being, wisdom in my secret heart;

could have shown me that the thoughts
of my heart incline to wickedness,

exhorted me not to be hardened
by the deceitfulness of sin.

Lord Jesus, can you not
do so even now?

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 51; 148; 142; 65
Gen. 6:1-8
Heb. 3:12-19
John 2:1-12

Selected Verses
Ps. 51:6
You desire truth in the inward being;
therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

Gen. 6:5
The LORD saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually.

Heb. 3:13
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

John 2:12
After this [Jesus] went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days.

Still Greater Things--Jan. 12, 2012

2012-01-12T00:37:00.001-05:00

God, we confess we are not always grateful
for the choices you make in our behalf.

We lose a child, and you give another one--
perhaps we would have preferred to keep the first.

But what can we do? If we choose
another god
we multiply our sorrows.

Help us hold firm to our hope in you,
confident you have still greater things for us to see.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 97; 147:12-20; 16; 62
Gen. 4:17-26
Heb. 3:1-11
John 1:43-51

Selected Verses
Ps. 16:4a
Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows…

Gen. 4:25
Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, for she said, "God has appointed for me another child instead of Abel, because Cain killed him."

Heb. 3:6
Christ, however, was faithful over God's house as a son, and we are his house if we hold firm the confidence and the pride that belong to hope.

John 1:43-51
Jesus answered [Nathanael], "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these."

You Ask Hard Questions--Jan. 11, 2012

2012-01-10T23:27:00.000-05:00

"What are you looking for?" Jesus asked Andrew and friend.
They said they wanted to see where Jesus was staying,
but was that their real objective?

"Where is your brother?" asked God of Cain.
Cain dissembled, too. God was not
deceived, nor was Jesus.

God punished Cain, who said
his punishment was too hard for him to bear.

Andrew was not looking for testing and suffering,
yet surely his Lord was tested and suffered;
tradition says Andrew died a martyr.

It is hard to face your questions, Lord;
but this we can affirm: The earth
is full of your steadfast love.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 89:1-18; 147:1-11; 1; 33
Gen. 4:1-16
Heb. 2:11-18
John 1:29-42

Selected Verses
Ps. 33:5
[The LORD] loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

Gen. 4:12-13
"…When you till the ground, it will no longer yield to you its strength; you will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth." Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear! …" [The LORD punishes Cain for slaying his brother]

Heb. 2:18
Because [Jesus] himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

John 1:38
When Jesus turned and saw [Andrew and another of John's disciples] following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?"

We Who Are East of Eden--Jan. 10, 2012

2012-01-09T22:44:00.000-05:00

When our souls are cast down,
help us to recognize you,
the one standing among us.

Help us remember times
when we have found you.

You are the pioneer of our salvation,
made perfect through your sufferings.

We are east of Eden, and we cannot find our way
back to the tree of life--nor do we need to.
Lord, you are more than life enough.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 42; 146; 102; 133
Gen. 3:1-24
Heb. 2:1-10
John 1:19-28

Selected Verses
Ps. 42:6b-c
My soul is cast down within me;
therefore I remember you
from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,
from Mount Mizar.

Gen. 3:24
He drove out the man; and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim, and a sword flaming and turning to guard the way to the tree of life.

Heb. 2:10
It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

John 1:26
John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know…

From the First Morning, the Word--Jan. 9, 2012

2012-01-08T22:38:00.001-05:00

From the morning of the first day,
the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.

The Word sustains all things--
God, let your word sustain
me in the morning.

When you hear my voice,
let me hear your Word.

As a husband and wife are one flesh,
let your Word live in me.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 5; 145; 82; 29
Gen. 2:4-25
Heb. 1:1-14
John 1:1-18

Selected Verses
Ps. 5:3
O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.

Gen. 2:23
Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken."

Heb. 1:3a
[The Son] is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word.

John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

I Rejoice--Jan. 8, 2012

2012-01-07T23:10:00.000-05:00

I rejoice in the Lord.
I rejoice because God
saw that creation was good.

I rejoice because Jesus takes away the sin of the world,
redeeming us and forgiving our trespasses.

I rejoice over the riches of God's grace
which God has lavished on us.

Therefore I will sing to the Lord
as long as I live.

I will sing praise to my God
while I have being.

May my meditation
be pleasing
to God.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 104; 150; 29
Gen. 1:1-2:3
Eph. 1:3-14
John 1:29-34

Selected Verses
Ps. 104:33-34
I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
May my meditation be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the LORD.

Gen. 1:12
The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good.

Eph. 1:7-8a
In [God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ] we have redemption through [Christ's] blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us.

John 1:29
The next day [John the baptizer] saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! …"

More Than Forty Years--Jan. 7, 2012

2012-01-06T23:52:00.002-05:00

Lord, more than forty
years in the wilderness you
have led me; but I did not follow.
You have tested me, and I have failed.

You humbled me; I could
not keep your commandments.
I hungered for you, and you have
fed me when I could not feed myself.

I still seek your face; do not hide from me;
now more than ever I need your glorious power.

Prepare me to endure with patience, joyfully
giving thanks to you, O living bread from heaven.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 97; 149; 27; 114
Deut. 8:1-3
Col. 1:1-14
John 6:30-33, 48-51

Selected Verses
Ps. 27:8-9a
“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, do I seek.
Do not hide your face from me.

Deut. 8:1-3
Remember the long way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, in order to humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commandments.

Col. 1:11-12a
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father…

John 6:51a
"…I am the living bread that came down from heaven. …" [Jesus to his skeptics]

Only You, Only from You--Jan. 6, 2012

2012-01-05T22:57:00.000-05:00

O God, only you know how much
my life has been a labor in vain.

And you know how often I wrangle
over nothing and needlessly cry aloud.

Teach me what it means that you are God,
and that you are the only object of true worship,

and that my reward comes
only from you.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 72; 148; 100; 67
Isa. 49:1-7
Rev. 21:22-27
Matt. 12:14-21

Selected Verses
Ps. 100:3
Know that the LORD is God.
      It is he that made us, and we are his;
      we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Isa. 49:4
But I said, "I have labored in vain,
      I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
Yet surely my cause is with the LORD,
      and my reward with my God."

Rev. 21:22
I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.

Matt. 12:19
"…He will not wrangle or cry aloud,
      nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. …" [What was spoken by the prophet Isaiah]

Armor Against the Powers of Evil--Jan. 5, 2012

2012-01-04T22:12:00.001-05:00

Does evil come upon me
because you are absent from me?

Do you permit the evil to come,
giving us the armor to stand against it?

What will I do when the waters close
over me and the deep surrounds me?

I do not know, but let me praise
your great and awesome name.

There can be no better armor
against the powers of evil.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 99; 147:12-20; 96; 110
Jonah 2:2-9
Eph. 6:10-20
John 11:17-27, 38-44

Selected Verses
Ps. 99:3
Let [all the peoples] praise your great and awesome name.
Holy is he!

Jonah 2:5a
The waters closed in over me;
the deep surrounded me…

Eph. 6:11
Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

John 11:21
Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. …"

An Offering That Will Endure--Jan. 4, 2012

2012-01-03T22:26:00.003-05:00

Joshua's memorial stones that marked
the crossing of the Jordan are long gone;

but Lord Jesus, you made a fragrant offering
and sacrifice to God that will endure forever.

You taught us to work the works of God
while it is day, before the night comes.

You are King! Let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 20; 147:1-11; 93; 97
Josh. 3:14-4:7
Eph. 5:1-20
John 9:1-12, 35-38

Selected Verses
Ps. 97:1
The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!

Josh. 4:7c
"… So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever." [Joshua to the twelve men, one from each tribe, who crossed the Jordan]

Eph. 5:2
…and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

John 9:4
We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.

It Is Dark--Jan. 3, 2012

2012-01-02T23:27:00.002-05:00

Jesus, it is dark now,
and you have not yet come to me--
at least, I have not been aware of your presence.
Perhaps I should have spent more time
standing on the mountain,
waiting for you to pass by.

Perhaps I have paid too little attention
to the talk that proceeds from my mouth.
Keep me from saying ill words about others,
from gossip and nay-saying, belittling and berating.
Instead use my speech to give grace to those who hear.
Then, out of the dark, perhaps you will come.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 111; 146; 107; 15
1 Kings 19:9-18
Eph. 4:17-32
John 6:15-27

Selected Verses
Ps. 15:3
…who do not slander with their tongue,
and do no evil to their friends,
nor take up a reproach against their neighbors…

1 Kings 19:11a
[The LORD] said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."

Eph. 4:29
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.

John 6:17b
It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.

According to the Measure of Christ's Gift--Jan. 2, 2012

2012-01-02T00:19:00.002-05:00

The boy with five barley loaves and two fish
had a contribution to make, for each is given grace
according to the measure of Christ's gift.

The one who thought his life was over
still had much to accomplish, for each is given grace
according to the measure of Christ's gift.

The needy shall not always be forgotten,
nor shall the hope of the poor perish forever.
Will not they too be given grace according
to the measure of Christ's gift?

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 48; 145; 9; 29
1 Kings 19:1-8
Ephesians 4:1-16
John 6:1-14

Selected Verses
Ps. 9:18
For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor perish forever.

1 Kings 19:4
But [Elijah] himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors."

Ephesians 4:7
But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift.

John 6:8-9
One of [Jesus'] disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?"

Hannah and Anna (Greek for 'Hannah')--Jan. 1, 2012

2011-12-31T21:27:00.003-05:00

Strong with the strength that comes from your power,
Both Hannah and Anna prayed night and day.
Hannah's son Samuel learned to call on your name,
And old Anna praised you and spoke of your Son
To all those who waited for you to redeem.

You answered the prayers of Hannah and Anna--
You gave them endurance and patience to wait;
You made them both joyful, full of thanksgiving--
Two women called Hannah (a name that means 'grace').
Lord, give us strength from your glorious power.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 98; 150; 99; 8
1 Sam. 1:1-2, 7b-28
Col. 1:9-20
Luke 2:22-40

Selected Verses
Ps. 99:6
Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel also was among those who called on his name.
They cried to the LORD, and he answered them.

1 Sam. 1:27-28
"…For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the LORD." [Hannah, when she delivered Samuel to Eli]

Col. 1:11-12a
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father…

Luke 2:37b-38
[Anna] never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child [Jesus] to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

I Want to Be Made Well--Dec. 31, 2011

2011-12-30T23:21:00.002-05:00

God, I want to be made well; I really believe so.
I have made plans; there are things I must do.

I am no king like Solomon, but there are those
who depend on my experience and leadership.

I want to sing new songs to you, and about you,
songs to tell the marvelous things you have done.

Then you remind me--I do not know what tomorrow
will bring, or what my life is, except what you give me.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 98; 149; 45; 96
1 Kings 3:5-14
James 4:13-17, 5:7-11
John 5:1-15

Selected Verses
Ps. 98:1a
O sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things.

1 Kings 3:6
At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, "Ask what I should give you."

James 4:14
Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

John 5:5-6
One man was [by the Sheep Gate pool] who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be made well?"

Our Children, and Yours--Dec. 30, 2011

2011-12-30T00:36:00.004-05:00

God, you gave us our children,
but they are yours, not ours to keep.

Sometimes we must give them back to you--
a calamity for them and for us, or so it seems.

We ask you to save our children from calamity,
and very often you do, and we praise you.

Teach our children to walk in your truth;
we will find no greater joy than when they do.

And teach us all--teach young and old alike,
girls and boys, men and women together--

to praise your name, O God, alone exalted;
for your glory is above earth and heaven.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 93; 148; 89:1-18; 89:19-52
1 Kings 17:17-24
3 John 1-15
John 4:46-54

Selected Verses
Ps.148:12-13
Young men and women alike,
      old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
      for his name alone is exalted;
      his glory is above earth and heaven.

1 Kings 17:20
[Elijah] cried out to the LORD, "O LORD my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I am staying, by killing her son?"

3 John 4
I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

John 4:49
The official said to [Jesus], "Sir, come down before my little boy dies."

The Loyalty of David's Men--Dec. 29, 2011

2011-12-28T23:55:00.002-05:00

David's three men risked death to surprise him
with a drink of water he longed to taste.

They showed their loyalty and love
by going far beyond his asking.

Can we not show our love to you,
doing what you command us to do?

For his obedience to all that you asked,
you have given Jesus a crown that gleams.

We know we do not deserve a crown like his;
but dear God, help us walk in your commandments.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 96; 147:12-20; 132; 97
2 Sam. 23:13-17b
2 John 1:1-13
John 2:1-11

Selected Verses
Ps.132:18
"…His enemies I will clothe with disgrace,
but on him, his crown will gleam."

2 Sam. 23:16a
Then the three warriors broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and brought it to David.

2 John 1:6
And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it.

John 2:5
[Jesus' mother] said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."

Broken Like a Potter's Vessel--Dec. 28, 2011

2011-12-27T21:48:00.002-05:00

We have caused others to stumble. Forgive us, Lord.
Do not hide your face from us, but have compassion,
for you are our Redeemer.

If we lay plans apart from you, they turn into broken
pieces, like a potter's vessel dashed by a rod of iron.
Teach us to wait for you.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 2; 147:1-11; 110; 111
Isa. 49:13-23
Isa. 54:1-13
Matt. 18:1-14

Selected Verses
Ps. 2:9
"…You shall break them with a rod of iron,
      and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel."
[The LORD to his son]

Isa. 49:23c
Then you will know that I am the LORD;
      those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.

Isa. 54:8
In overflowing wrath for a moment
      I hid my face from you,
but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,
      says the LORD, your Redeemer.

Matt. 18:6
"…If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. …" [Jesus to his disciples]

A Part of Wisdom--Dec. 27, 2011

2011-12-26T23:40:00.002-05:00

O God, wisdom is part of your creation;
and a part of wisdom is to know you,
to love you, and to love one another.

Keep us away from proud thoughts,
for these have dominion over us;
and they will shut out wisdom.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 34; 136; 19; 121
Prov. 8:22-30
1 John 5:1-12
John 13:20-35

Selected Verses
Ps. 19:13
Keep back your servant also from proud thoughts,
do not let them have dominion over me.
[Alternative reading]

Prov. 8:22
The LORD created me at the beginning of his work,
the first of his acts of long ago.

1 John 5:1
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child.

John 13:35
"…By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." [Jesus to his disciples, on the night he was betrayed]

Of Justice and Kindness--Dec. 26, 2011

2011-12-26T01:26:00.002-05:00

We know that you are just in all your ways
and kind in all your doings, O God.

Humans often fail to follow your example.
Some who are worthy are neglected.

Past kindnesses are too soon forgotten--
at times this even leads to killing.

And there is wide acceptance of killing
and injustice; even we who claim to
follow you too often nod approval.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 116; 145; 119:1-24; 27
2 Chron. 24:17-22
Acts 6:1-7
Acts 7:59-8:8

Selected Verses
Ps. 145:17
The LORD is just in all his ways,
and kind in all his doings.

2 Chron. 24:22a
King Joash did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, had shown him, but killed his son.

Acts 6:1
Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food.

Acts 8:1
And Saul approved of their killing [Stephen].

Without Measure--Dec. 25, 2011

2011-12-25T01:21:00.003-05:00

No one has seen you, but if we love one another,
you live in us and your love is perfected in us.

We conspire to do our own will; in vain
plot to keep control over our lives,
subverting your gracious will.

Yet you stand and feed your flock,
and he whom you sent gives the Spirit
without measure to those who will receive it.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 2; 150; 98; 96
Micah 4:1-5, 5:2-4
1 John 4:7-16
John 3:31-46

Selected Verses
Ps. 2:1
Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?

Micah 5:4a
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.

1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

John 3:34
He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.

A Deliverer; a Savior--Dec. 24, 2011

2011-12-23T22:53:00.000-05:00

The needy will call and find a deliverer;
their hearts will thrill and rejoice.

God's children will receive the Spirit in their hearts;
God's people will find a savior from their sins.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 80; 149; 80; 72
Isa. 60:1-6
Gal. 3:23-4:7
Matt. 1:18-25

Selected Verses
Ps. 72:12
For [the King] delivers the needy when they call,
      the poor and those who have no helper.

Isa. 60:5
Then you shall see and be radiant;
      your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
      the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

Gal. 4:6
And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"

Matt. 1:21
"…[Mary] will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." [An angel of the Lord, in a dream to Joseph]

From Hands Too Strong for Us--Dec. 23, 2011

2011-12-22T23:02:00.002-05:00

Imprisoned in sin, our souls wait for the Lord,
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.

By your tender mercy, the dawn from on high
will break upon us to give us light--we who
sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

For he will ransom and redeem us
from hands too strong for us and
guide us into the way of peace.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 102; 148; 130; 16
Jer. 31:10-14
Gal. 3:15-22
Luke 1:67-80

Selected Verses
Ps. 130:6
…my soul waits for the Lord
      more than those who watch for the morning,
      more than those who watch for the morning.

Jer. 31:11
For the LORD has ransomed Jacob,
      and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.

Gal. 3:22
But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Luke 1:78
"…By the tender mercy of our God,
      the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in
      darkness and in the shadow of death,
     to guide our feet into the way of peace." [Zechariah]

As Your Hand Was with John--Dec. 22, 2011

2011-12-21T22:35:00.001-05:00

I love you, God, my strength--
but who am I, that you
have brought me
thus far?

Guard me,
and protect me from
myself, lest I end with the
flesh after starting with the Spirit.

As your hand was with John,
let it be also with me.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 18:1-20; 147:12-20; 126; 62
2 Sam. 7:18-29
Gal. 3:1-14
Luke 1:57-66

Selected Verses
Ps. 18:1
I love you, O LORD, my strength.

2 Sam. 7:18
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and said, "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? …"

Gal. 3:3
Are you so foolish? Having started with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh?

Luke 1:66
All who heard [these things about the birth of John] pondered them and said, "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

What is a Rich Man to Do?--Dec. 21, 2011

2011-12-20T22:00:00.002-05:00

Your grace appeared, bringing salvation to all--
there is nothing we can do to earn it.

Even if we are rich, we cannot offer you
a fine house in which to dwell,

or ply you with savory food
to curry your favor.

Lord, you have brought down the powerful
from their thrones, lifted up the lowly;

filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty.

Everything is upside down;
is this any way to act?

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 50; 147:1-11; 53; 17
2 Sam. 7:1-17
Titus 2:11-3:8a
Luke 1:39-56

Selected Verses
Ps. 50:9-10
"…I will not accept a bull from your house,
      or goats from your folds.
For every wild animal of the forest is mine,
     the cattle on a thousand hills. …" [God the LORD]

2 Sam. 7:6
I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. [The LORD instructing Nathan what to say to David]

Titus 2:11
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all…

Luke 1:52-53
"…He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
      and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
     and sent the rich away empty. …" [Mary]

A Kingdom that Has No End--Dec. 20, 2011

2011-12-19T22:55:00.002-05:00

O great King of a kingdom that has no end,
let your steadfast love be upon us,
even as we hope in you.

Our hearts exult in you,
and our strength is exalted in you.
Make our teaching sound, reflecting your will.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 33; 146; 85; 94
1 Sam. 2:1b-10
Titus 2:1-10
Luke 1:26-38

Selected Verses
Ps. 33:22
Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.

1 Sam. 2:1b
"…My heart exults in the LORD;
my strength is exalted in my God. …" [Hannah]

Titus 2:1
But as for you, teach what is consistent with sound doctrine.

Luke 1:32
[Your son Jesus] will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." [The angel Gabriel to Mary]

Be in Our Midst--Dec. 19, 2011

2011-12-18T22:55:00.002-05:00

Be gracious to us and bless us, O God,
and make your face to shine upon us,

that your way may be know upon earth,
your saving power among all nations.

Rejoice over your people with loud singing;
be in their midst to renew them in your love.

Take away our fears, and hear our prayer;
make our deeds consistent with our faith.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 122; 145; 40; 67
Zeph. 3:14-20
Titus 1:1-16
Luke 1:1-25

Selected Verses
Ps. 67:1-2
May God be gracious to us and bless us
     and make his face to shine upon us,
                                                            Selah
that your way may be known upon earth,
      your saving power among all nations.

Zeph. 3:17
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
      a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
      he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing…

Titus 1:16a
They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions.

Luke 1:13a
But the angel said to [Zechariah], "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. …"

Throw Down the Great Dragon--Dec. 18, 2011

2011-12-17T23:26:00.000-05:00

On paths of steadfast love and faithfulness
you walk in the garden of our life.
In shadows we hide from you.

Throw down the evil powers that
make us prefer darkness to your light;
illumine our way so we may go with you.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 24; 150; 25; 110
Gen. 3:8-15
Rev. 12:1-10
John 3:16-21

Selected Verses
Ps. 25:10
All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

Gen. 3:8
They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.

Rev. 12:9
The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

John 3:19
And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.

Authority for What?--Dec. 17, 2011

2011-12-17T00:30:00.002-05:00

Some think if they praise you in their throats--
while they kill with sword, famine, and pestilence--
they have authority to execute vengeance
on the nations, punishment on the peoples.

You have given authority to all who will accept it--
authority to speak truth to one another,
to pursue justice in ways that make for peace.

Also authority to feed the hungry,
give drink to the thirsty,
welcome the stranger,
clothe the naked,
care for the sick,
and visit those in prison.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 90; 149; 80; 72
Zech. 8:9-17
Rev. 6:1-17
Matt. 25:31-46

Selected Verses
Ps. 149:6-7
Let the high praises of God be in their throats
and two-edged swords in their hands,
to execute vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples

Zech. 8:16
These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace…

Rev. 6:8
I looked, and there was a pale green horse! Its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed with him; they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, famine, and pestilence, and by the wild animals of the earth.

Matt. 25:35-36
"'…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. …'" [In Jesus' parable, the king to those on his right hand]

Not Impossible for You--Dec. 16, 2011

2011-12-15T21:49:00.001-05:00

Unchanging God of Creation,
what seems impossible to us
is not impossible for you,
for you reap where
you do not sow.

We pass away, the earth
and heavens will pass away;
whereas your years have no end.

Let every creature in heaven and
earth and under the earth
and in the sea sing
your praises.
Let all fall
down and
worship.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 102; 148; 130; 16
Zech. 7:8-8:8
Rev. 5:6-14
Matt. 25:14-30

Selected Verses
Ps. 102:26c-27
You change them like clothing, and they pass away;
but you are the same, and your years have no end.

Zech. 8:6
Thus says the LORD of hosts: Even though it seems impossible to the remnant of this people in these days, should it also seem impossible to me, says the LORD of hosts?

Rev. 5:13-14
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshiped.

Matt. 25:24
"…Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed…'" [Jesus to his disciples]

Teach Me to Wait--Dec. 15, 2011

2011-12-15T00:07:00.002-05:00

Teach my soul to wait
in silence for you,
for you alone.

When I have been foolish,
and the door has closed
and I see no way out,
teach me to wait.

When I am full of bitter despair
because no one is worthy
to do the task ahead,
teach me to wait.

When I want to have my way
by power of persuasion
or by show of might,
teach me to wait.

O my God,
for your Spirit
teach me to wait.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 18:1-20; 147:12-20; 126; 62
Zech. 4:1-14
Rev. 4:9-5:5
Matt. 25:1-13

Selected Verses
Ps. 62:1
For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.

Zech. 4:6
[The angel] said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts. …"

Rev. 5:4
And I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.

Matt. 25:10
"…And while [the foolish bridesmades] went to buy [oil for their lamps], the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. …" [Jesus to his disciples]

To Be Clothed in Festal Apparel--Dec. 14, 2011

2011-12-13T22:51:00.002-05:00

God, I do not ask that a door in heaven be left
open for me--I know my filthy garments.
I only ask you to take away my guilt
and to clothe me in festal apparel.

That much, and this one thing more--
even when you are absent from me
make me faithful to do your will;
let me do so with thanksgiving.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 50; 147:1-11; 53; 17
Zech. 3:1-10
Rev. 4:1-8
Matt. 24:45-51

Selected Verses
Ps. 50:23
"…Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me;
      to those who go the right way
      I will show the salvation of God."
           [God to the wicked]

Zech. 3:4
The angel said to those who were standing before him, "Take off his filthy clothes." And to [Joshua] he said, "See, I have taken your guilt away from you, and I will clothe you with festal apparel."

Rev. 4:1a
After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open!

Matt. 24:45
" …Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. …" [Jesus to his disciples]

Poor, Naked, Blind--Dec. 13, 2011

2011-12-12T23:18:00.000-05:00

Are we poor in the riches you would bestow upon us;
naked and pitiable in our lack of righteousness?
Are we blind to your goodness and glory?

Then let us keep silence before you.
Heaven and earth will pass
away, not your words.

Let your steadfast love
be upon us, even as we hope
in you. In ourselves--no reason to
hope, poor, naked, and blind as we are.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 33; 146; 85; 94
Zech. 2:1-13
Rev. 3:14-22
Matt. 24:32-44

Selected Verses
Ps. 33:22
Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.

Zech. 2:13
Be silent, all people, before the LORD; for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.

Rev. 3:17
"…For you say, 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.' You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.' …" [He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars, to the angel of the church in Laodicea]

Matt. 24:35
"…Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. …" [Jesus to his disciples]

How Patient Must We Be?--Dec. 12, 2011

2011-12-11T23:43:00.001-05:00

God, how patient must we be?
You have promised us an open door
that no one will be able to shut in our faces.

You have promised us a time
when the whole earth will be at peace.

You have promised to send out your angels
and gather your elect from the four winds.

You have promised to incline your ear
and hear our cry for justice.

How patient must we be, can we be?
Ah, our patience is nothing.

It is you who are the patient one;
It is you that wait for us.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 122; 145; 40; 67
Zech. 1:7-17
Rev. 3:7-13
Matt. 24:15-31

Selected Verses
Ps. 40:1
I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.

Zech. 1:11
Then [red, sorrel, and white horses] spoke to the angel of the LORD who was standing among the myrtle trees, "We have patrolled the earth, and lo, the whole earth remains at peace."

Rev. 3:8a
"I know your works. Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. …" [He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars, to the angel of the church in Philadelphia]

Matt. 24:31
"…And [the Son of Man] will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. …" [Jesus to his disciples]

In Every Good Work and Word--Dec. 11, 2011

2011-12-10T23:49:00.002-05:00

O you whose good works
are a sign that the Father sent you,
strengthen our hearts in every good work and word.

Teach us the way that we should choose;
bring near the day when the poor of the world shall
receive just pay for their toil and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 24; 150; 25; 110
Amos 9:11-15
2 Thess. 2:1-3, 13-17
John 5:30-47

Selected Verses
Ps. 25:12
Who are they that fear the LORD?
      He will teach them the way that they should choose.

Amos 9:14
I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel,
      and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,
     and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.

2 Thess. 2:16-17
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

John 5:36b-37a
"…The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf. …" [Jesus to the crowd]

Lest Love Grow Cold--Dec. 10, 2011

2011-12-10T00:16:00.002-05:00

The silver is yours, and the gold.
All things are yours, and time is yours.

What are we, but helpless creatures
before your might?

You do not expect us to be helpless, though.
You expect us to be awake and strong in your service.

You expect our love to be warm.
You expect us to endure to the end, in spite of hardship.

Strengthen us with the presence of your Holy Spirit,
that we may live as you expect.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 90; 149; 80; 72
Hag. 2:1-9
Rev. 3:1-6
Matt. 24:1-14

Selected Verses
Ps. 90:2
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Hag. 2:8
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the LORD of hosts.

Rev. 3:1-2
"I know your works; you have a name of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is on the point of death, for I have not found your works perfect in the sight of my God. …" [He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars, to the angel of the church in Sardis]

Matt. 24:1-14
"…And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. …" [Jesus to his disciples]

You Hold Our Lot--Dec. 9, 2011

2011-12-08T23:40:00.002-05:00

"You are my chosen portion and my cup."
It is not enough to say these words;
we must also adhere to them.

Exterior righteousness is far too easy to combine
with interior hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Then we look for much, but it comes to little;
and even the little, you blow away.

Help us seek you, the morning star,
for you hold our lot.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 102; 148; 130; 16
Hag. 1:1-15
Rev. 2:18-29
Matt. 23:27-39

Selected Verses
Ps. 16:5
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.

Hag. 1:9a
You have looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away.

Rev. 2:28b
"…To the one who conquers I will also give the morning star. …" [One like the Son of Man, to the angel of the church in Thyatira]

Matt. 23:28
"…So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. …" [Jesus to the scribes and Pharisees]

Only from You--Dec. 8, 2011

2011-12-07T23:14:00.005-05:00

Though I am rich, you know
my affliction and my poverty.

Am I any better than those
who do not profess to follow you?

I can clean the outside of the cup,
I can clean the outside of the plate,
but inside are greed and self-indulgence.

For you alone my soul waits in silence,
my salvation comes only from you.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 18:1-20; 147:12-20; 126; 62
Amos 9:1-10
Rev. 2:8-17
Matt. 23:13-26

Selected Verses
Ps. 62:1
For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.

Amos 9:7a
Are you not like the Ethiopians to me,
O people of Israel? says the LORD.

Rev. 2:9a
"I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich. …" [One like the Son of Man to the angel of the church in Smyrna]

Matt. 23:25
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. …" [Jesus]

What Do You See, O God?--Dec. 7, 2011

2011-12-06T23:33:00.001-05:00

You look on humankind,
and what do you see?

Those who trample on the needy
and bring to ruin the poor of the land?

Those who tie heavy burdens on others
but are not willing to lift a finger to help them?

You who have the keys of Death and Hades--
you who were dead, but now alive forever and ever--

do you see any who are wise,
any who seek after you?

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 50; 147:1-11; 53; 17
Amos 8:1-14
Rev. 1:17-2:7
Matt. 23:1-12

Selected Verses
Ps. 53:2
God looks down from heaven on humankind
      to see if there are any who are wise,
      who seek after God.

Amos 8:4
"…Hear this, you that trample on the needy,
      and bring to ruin the poor of the land…" [The Lord GOD, speaking to Amos]

Rev. 1:18b
"…I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades. …" [One like the Son of Man, speaking to the writer]

Matt. 23:4
"…[The scribes and Pharisees] tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. …" [Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples]

The One Who Made Me--Dec. 6, 2011

2011-12-05T22:44:00.003-05:00

The One who made me
watches over me
and watches me.

The One who made me
tells me to love my neighbor
even as I love myself.

The One who made me
calls me to go to the people
and prophesy.

The One who made me
knows the pain of persecution
and the need for patient endurance.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 33; 146; 85; 94
Amos 7:10-17
Rev. 1:9-16
Matt. 22:34-46

Selected Verses
Ps. 33:14-15
From where he sits enthroned he watches
all the inhabitants of the earth—
he who fashions the hearts of them all,
and observes all their deeds.

Amos 7:14-15
Then Amos answered Amaziah, "I am no prophet, nor a prophet's son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' …"

Rev. 1:9
I, John, your brother who share with you in Jesus the persecution and the kingdom and the patient endurance, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Matt. 22:39
"…and a second is like [the greatest commandment]: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' …" [Jesus in reply to the Pharisees' question]

Is, Was, Is to Come--Dec. 5, 2011

2011-12-04T22:43:00.002-05:00

God, help us know the scriptures and your power,
for you are near to all who call on you--
to all who call upon you in truth.

Forgive our sin, we beg you.
How can we stand against you?
You are the Alpha and the Omega,
who is and who was and who is to come.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 122; 145; 40; 67
Amos 7:1-9
Rev. 1:1-8
Matt. 22:23-33

Selected Verses
Ps. 145:18
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
      to all who call on him in truth.

Amos 7:2
When [the locusts of the vision] had finished eating the grass of the land, I said,
      "O Lord GOD, forgive, I beg you!
           How can Jacob stand?
           He is so small!"

Rev. 1:8
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

Matt. 22:29
Jesus answered [the Sadducees], "You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. …"

What Will This Child Become?--Dec. 4, 2011

2011-12-03T22:30:00.000-05:00

What is the outlook, the promise of things to come?
What prospect for the child born today?
What prospect for a culture of luxurious consumption
surrounded by poverty and starvation?

Will you make us worthy of your call?
Will your power fulfill our
good resolutions and works of faith?
Remember your mercy, God.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 24; 150; 25; 110
Amos 6:1-14
2 Thess. 1:5-12
Luke 1:57-68

Selected Verses
Ps. 25:6
Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast love,
      for they have been from of old.

Amos 6:4, 6
Alas for those who lie on beds of ivory,
     and lounge on their couches,
and eat lambs from the flock,
     and calves from the stall…

who drink wine from bowls,
      and anoint themselves with the finest oils,
      but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!

2 Thess. 1:11-12
To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 1:66
All who heard [the things about the birth of John] pondered them and said, "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

Like a Trickle of Water--Dec. 3, 2011

2011-12-02T23:27:00.000-05:00

I wonder how the Pharisees could know so
much about Jesus, yet fail to know him at all.
Then I realize I am in danger of the same fault.

I know your call for justice and righteousness
(they should roll down like a mighty stream),
but my efforts to deliver the poor and needy
and help the helpless are more like a trickle.

Build me up with faith in you,
prayer in your Holy Spirit,
reliance on your mercy,
and life in your love
revealed in Christ.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 90; 149; 80; 72
Amos 5:18-27
Jude 17-25
Matt. 22:15-22

Selected Verses
Ps. 72:12
For he delivers the needy when they call,
the poor and those who have no helper.

Amos 5:24
But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Jude 20
But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

Matt. 22:16
So [the Pharisees] sent their disciples to [Jesus], along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. …"

A Question of Privilege--Dec. 2, 2011

2011-12-02T00:39:00.002-05:00

For us, the boundary lines have fallen
in pleasant places; we have a goodly heritage.
We have been invited to the banquet; or so it seems.

Yet we have done our share of trampling the poor,
or have reaped benefits from the trampling.
Do we deserve to live in fine houses?

Do we deserve mercy, peace,
and love in abundance?
Amos, your words
disturb us.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 102; 148; 130; 16
Amos 5:1-17
Jude 1-16
Matt. 22:1-14

Selected Verses
Ps. 16:6
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
      I have a goodly heritage.

Amos 5:11
Therefore because you trample on the poor
      and take from them levies of grain,
you have built houses of hewn stone,
      but you shall not live in them;
you have planted pleasant vineyards,
      but you shall not drink their wine.

Jude 2
May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.

Matt. 22:9
"'…Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.' …" [The king to his servants, in Jesus' parable of the wedding banquet]

Losing the Kingdom--Dec. 1, 2011

2011-11-30T22:42:00.002-05:00

Lord God of Hosts, who formed the mountains
and revealed your thoughts to mortals,
we call upon you, cry for help.

We are in danger of losing your kingdom,
for we have not produced its fruits.

Help us grow in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
and grant that we may be fruitful.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 18:1-20; 147:12-20; 126; 62
Amos 4:6-13
2 Peter 3:11-18
Matt. 21:33-46

Selected Verses
Ps. 18:6
In my distress I called upon the LORD;
      to my God I cried for help.

Amos 4:13
For lo, the one who forms the mountains, creates the wind,
      reveals his thoughts to mortals,
makes the morning darkness,
      and treads on the heights of the earth —
      the LORD, the God of hosts, is his name!

2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Matt. 21:43
Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom.

A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving--Nov. 30, 2011

2011-11-30T00:15:00.002-05:00

You are a patient God;
you want all to come to repentance,
but we who live in ivory houses try your patience.

We say we do not know what you want us to do
to honor you, though you tell us plainly--
bring thanksgiving as our sacrifice.

We ask which is more essential:
to sacrifice our luxuries
or to give thanks?

Forgive us,
still we miss the point;
not either or, but both together.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 50; 147:1-11; 53; 17
Amos 3:12-4:5
2 Peter 3:1-10
Matt. 21:23-32

Selected Verses
Ps. 50:23
"…Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me;
      to those who go the right way
      I will show the salvation of God."

Amos 3:15
"…I will tear down the winter house as well as the summer house;
      and the houses of ivory shall perish,
      and the great houses shall come to an end. …"
          [God the LORD judging his people]

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

Matt. 21:27a
So [the chief priests and elders] answered Jesus, "We do not know."

Until the Morning Star--Nov. 29, 2011

2011-11-29T00:06:00.002-05:00

Our heart is glad in you, God;
nursing babies praise your name.

The lion has roared; who will not fear?
Our God has spoken; who can but prophesy?

Make us attentive to the prophetic message,
for it is a lamp shining in a dark place;

and confirm your word within us,
until at last the day dawns and

the morning star rises
in our hearts.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 33; 146; 85; 94
Amos 3:1-11
2 Peter 1:12-21
Matt. 21:12-22

Selected Verses
Ps. 33:21
Our heart is glad in him,
      because we trust in his holy name.

Amos 3:8
The lion has roared;
      who will not fear?
The Lord GOD has spoken;
      who can but prophesy?

2 Peter 1:19
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Matt. 21:16b
Jesus said to [the chief priests and scribes], "Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise for yourself'?"

Overloaded Carts--Nov. 28, 2011

2011-11-27T22:59:00.001-05:00

Pressed down, overloaded carts,
our wheels stuck in ruts,
our lives in turmoil,
we ask who you are.

You are our help
and our deliverer,
do not delay, O God.

Fill us with your grace and peace
and the knowledge of you
and of Jesus our Lord.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 122; 145; 40; 67
Amos 2:6-16
2 Peter 1:1-11
Matt. 21:1-11

Selected Verses
Ps. 40:17b
You are my help and my deliverer;
      do not delay, O my God.

Amos 2:13
So, I will press you down in your place,
      just as a cart presses down
      when it is full of sheaves.

2 Peter 1:2
May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Matt. 21:1-11
When [Jesus] entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?"

Lift up the Gates--Nov. 27, 2011

2011-11-26T22:28:00.002-05:00

Lift up the gates of our souls,
and enter in, O King of Glory!

Complacent in our peace and security
we allow the righteous to be sold for silver,
the head of the poor to be trampled into the dust.

When the afflicted are pushed out of the way,
should it surprise us that destruction is imminent?
Need we inquire for signs of when this will take place?

We dare not ask you to revoke the punishment;
but come into our souls that we may change our ways;
and be merciful, O King of Glory.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 24: 150; 25; 110
Amos 1:1-5; 1:13-2:8
1 Thess. 5:1-11
Luke 21:5-19

Selected Verses
Ps. 24:7
Lift up your heads, O gates!
      and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
      that the King of glory may come in.

Amos 2:6-7b
Thus says the LORD:
For three transgressions of Israel,
      and for four, I will not revoke the punishment;
because they sell the righteous for silver,
      and the needy for a pair of sandals —
they who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth,
      and push the afflicted out of the way…

1 Thess. 5:3
When they say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape!

Luke 21:7
[Some disciples Jesus had been telling about the destruction of the Temple] asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?"

Prosper the Work--Nov. 26, 2011

2011-11-25T23:08:00.003-05:00

Lord Jesus, you had compassion on the blind;
you touched their eyes,
and God prospered the work of your hands.

Have compassion on us, tread our iniquities under foot;
show us how to be compassionate,
and prosper for us the work of our hands in acts of love.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 63; 149; 125; 90
Micah 7:11-20
1 Peter 4:7-19
Matt. 20:29-34

Selected Verses
Ps. 90:17
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
      and prosper for us the work of our hands —
      O prosper the work of our hands!

Micah 7:19
The LORD will again have compassion upon us;
      he will tread our iniquities under foot.

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.

Matt. 20:29-34
[The two blind men] said to [Jesus], "Lord, let our eyes be opened." Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.

Suffering Will Come--Nov. 25, 2011

2011-11-25T00:33:00.002-05:00

Suffering will come, has already come,
and there is more to come.
Does this not make us fear you?

When the earth staggers and falls,
it does not rise again--
transgression lies heavy upon it.

Under the cruel weight of the cross
Christ staggered and fell,
was crucified, and rose again.

Christ suffered for us; he suffers with us.
Does this not make us love you?
Teach us the way we should choose.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 84; 148; 25; 40
Isa. 24:14-23
1 Peter 3:13-4:6
Matt. 20:17-28

Selected Verses
Ps. 25:12
Who are they that fear the LORD?
      He will teach them the way that they should choose.

Isa. 24:20
The earth staggers like a drunkard
      it sways like a hut;
its transgression lies heavy upon it,
      and it falls, and will not rise again.

1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit…

Matt. 20:18-19
"See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised." [Jesus to the twelve disciples]

As Free People--Nov. 24, 2011

2011-11-23T22:42:00.002-05:00

We belong to you; do with us what you choose.
We are your servants; therefore we live as free people;
forbid that we should use our freedom as a pretext for evil.

With your steadfast love before our eyes,
O God, we will pasture and lie down;
and no one will make us afraid.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 116; 147:12-20; 26; 130
Zeph. 3:1-13
1 Peter 2:11-25
Matt. 20:1-16

Selected Verses
Ps. 26:3
For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in faithfulness to you.

Zeph. 3:13d
Then [the remnant of Israel] will pasture and lie down,
and no one shall make them afraid.

1 Peter 2:16
As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil.

Matt. 20:15
"'…Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ …" [The landowner speaks to his laborers in a parable Jesus told his disciples]

Pure, Spiritual Milk--Nov. 23, 2011

2011-11-22T22:37:00.003-05:00

The day of the Lord is near.
He is coming to judge the earth;
all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice,
and all guile, insincerity, envy, and slander.

Like babes, long for the pure, spiritual milk,
and do not let your concern for riches
separate you from the kingdom.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 96; 147:1-11; 132; 134
Obad. 15-21
1 Peter 2:1-10
Matt. 19:23-30

Selected Verses
Ps. 96:12b-13a
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the LORD; for he is coming,
for he is coming to judge the earth.

Obad. 15a
For the day of the LORD is near against all the nations.

1 Peter 2:1-2a
Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk…

Matt. 19:23
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. …"

Broken Yokes, Snapped Bonds--Nov. 22, 2011

2011-11-21T22:30:00.000-05:00

Your steadfast love extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.

You have broken off the yoke from us,
snapped the bonds that bind us.

Now purify our souls and fill us
with genuine mutual love.

Make us like little children to
receive your blessing.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 12; 146; 36; 7
Nahum 1:1-13
1 Peter 1:13-25
Matt. 19:13-22

Selected Verses
Ps. 36:5
Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
     your faithfulness to the clouds.

Nahum 1:13
"…And now I will break off his yoke from you
      and snap the bonds that bind you.”
           [The LORD to Israel, referring to Nineveh]

1 Peter 1:22
Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart.

Matt. 19:14
…but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs."

With Indescribable, Glorious Joy--Nov. 21, 2011

2011-11-20T23:26:00.001-05:00

As a man and his wife become one flesh,
those who know your name put their trust in you.

Although we do not see you, we love you
and rejoice with an indescribable, glorious joy.

When the time of terror comes, sun and
moon grow dark, stars withdraw their shining,

we still will put our trust in you, O God,
who have not forsaken those who seek you.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 62; 145; 73; 9
Joel 3:1-2, 9-17
1 Peter 1:1-12
Matt. 19:1-12

Selected Verses
Ps. 9:10
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Joel 3:15
The sun and the moon are darkened,
and the stars withdraw their shining.

1 Peter 1:8
Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy…

Matt. 19:6a
"…So [a man and his wife] are no longer two, but one flesh. …" [Jesus to Pharisees who asked about divorce]

Resources You Give Us--Nov. 20, 2011

2011-11-19T23:41:00.003-05:00

Lord, you give us resources to use for your kingdom.
You lead us in right paths, for your name's sake.

You provide a highway for us to share your gifts.
Give us also joy and peace in believing,

that we may abound in hope by
the power of your Holy Spirit.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 108; 150; 66; 23
Isa. 19:19-25
Romans 15:5-13
Luke 19:11-27

Selected Verses
Ps. 23:3b
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.

Isa. 19:23
On that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians.

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 19:13
"…[The nobleman] summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, 'Do business with these until I come back.' …" [Jesus to the crowd]

Joy in a Dry and Weary Land--Nov. 19, 2011

2011-11-18T22:30:00.002-05:00

The land is dry and weary, and we are thirsty and tired;
but you invite us to come, take the water of life as a gift--
everyone who hears, come, and everyone who is thirsty.

And you tell us not to grieve, for your joy is our strength.
And we must have mercy on a fellow slave (who also is
in a dry and weary land), as you have had mercy on us.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 122; 149; 100; 63
Neh. 7:73b-8:3, 5-18
Rev. 22:14-21
Matt. 18:21-35

Selected Verses
Ps. 63:1
O God, you are my God, I seek you,
      my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
      as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Neh. 8:10b
"…and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." [Nehemiah to the people who had wept when they heard the law]

Rev. 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.”
      And let everyone who hears say, “Come.”
      And let everyone who is thirsty come.
      Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.

Matt. 18:33
"'…Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ …"
[In Jesus' parable about forgiveness, the king to a slave who owed him ten thousand talents]

Discipline: Received or Given--Nov. 18, 2011

2011-11-17T23:03:00.003-05:00

When we sin against you,
how difficult to accept your discipline!
You warn us by your spirit through your prophets,
but we do not listen. Still you are patient.

When a fellow servant sins against us,
we want to rebuke him in our anger
or discipline her in our wrath;
we don't mind who hears us.
We lack your patience.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 88; 148; 6; 20
Neh. 9:26-38
Rev. 22:6-13
Matt. 18:10-20

Selected Verses
Ps. 6:1
O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger,
or discipline me in your wrath.

Neh. 9:30a
"…Many years you were patient with them, and warned them by your spirit through your prophets; yet [our ancestors] would not listen. …" [Ezra to the assembled people of Israel]

Rev. 22:9
"…but [the angel] said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your comrades the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"

Matt. 18:15
"If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. …" [Jesus to his disciples]

For the Healing of the Nations--Nov. 17, 2011

2011-11-16T23:01:00.000-05:00

You protect the simple; the greatest in your kingdom
is the one who is brought low, humble like a little child.

You are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

The tree of life that you have prepared for us
bears leaves for the healing of the nations.

O heal the nations and protect the simple,
especially protect the little children.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 143; 147:12-20; 81; 116
Neh. 9:1-25
Rev. 21:22-22:5
Matt. 18:1-9

Selected Verses
Ps. 116:6
The LORD protects the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.

Neh. 9:17b
"…But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and you did not forsake them. …" [Ezra to the assembled people of Israel]

Rev. 22:2b
On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Matt. 18:4
"…Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. …" [Jesus to his disciples]

Faithless/Delivered; Faithful/Slain--Nov. 16, 2011

2011-11-15T23:44:00.000-05:00

Though your people have been faithless,
you deliver us from the snare of the
fowler and the deadly pestilence.

Truer than a gold-rod measure, Jesus
was faithful; betrayed into human hands
he was slain, his disciples greatly distressed.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 65; 147:1-11; 125; 91
Ezra 10:1-17
Rev. 21:9-21
Matt.17:22-27

Selected Verses
Ps. 91:3
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence…

Ezra 10:6b
[Ezra] did not eat bread or drink water, for he was mourning over the faithlessness of the exiles.

Rev. 21:15
The angel who talked to me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls.

Matt. 17:22-23
As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.” And [his disciples] were greatly distressed.

Smaller Than a Mustard Seed?--Nov. 15, 2011

2011-11-14T22:41:00.002-05:00

We know you are the strength of your people--
when we thirst, you will give us water
from the spring of the water of life.

We are slaves to the ways of the world, yet
know you will not forsake us; you will extend
your steadfast love to rebuild the ruins of our lives.

We know, but we do not cast out the demons
that control our lives and make us slaves.
Is our faith smaller than mustard seed?

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 54; 146; 28; 99
Ezra 9:1-15
Rev. 21:1-8
Matt. 17:14-21

Selected Verses
Ps. 28:8
The LORD is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.

Ezra 9:9
"…For we are slaves; yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to give us new life to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judea and Jerusalem. …" [Ezra's prayer]

Rev. 21:6b
"…To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. …" [In John's vision, the One seated on the throne]

Matt. 17:19-20
Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast [the demon] out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

Speak Peace to Your People--Nov. 14, 2011

2011-11-14T00:19:00.002-05:00

O God the Lord, speak peace to your people;
forgive us for doing whatever we please.

God, make us faithful; put into our hearts
such a thing as this--to glorify you;

and God, open to us
the book of life.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 57; 145; 85; 47
Ezra 7:27-28; 8:21-36
Rev. 20:7-15
Matt. 17:1-13

Selected Verses
Ps. 85:8
Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people,
to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

Ezra 7:27
Blessed be the LORD, the God of our ancestors, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king to glorify the house of the LORD in Jerusalem…

Rev. 20: 12
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Also another book was opened, the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their works, as recorded in the books.

Matt. 17:12
"…but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands." [Jesus to Peter, James, and John]

And We Will Not Fear--Nov. 13, 2011

2011-11-12T23:30:00.000-05:00

May your hand be upon us, O God.
You are our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble;
therefore we will not fear.

Help us to take courage
from other believers;
even in small things
keep us faithful.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 67; 150; 46; 93
Ezra 7:1-26
Acts 28:14b-23
Luke 16:1-13

Selected Verses
Ps. 46:1-2
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea

Ezra 7:6
…this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the law of Moses that the LORD the God of Israel had given; and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him.

Acts 28:15
The believers from [Rome], when they heard of us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.

Luke 16:10
"Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. …"

Suffering, Redemption--Nov. 12, 2011

2011-11-11T23:30:00.001-05:00

It might make us very angry, Lord Jesus--angry enough to
throw furniture--to think you had to go to Jerusalem,
and there undergo great suffering, even be killed,
at the hands of outwardly righteous leaders.

So to imagine your angel seizing the ancient serpent
feels right, throwing him into the bottomless pit
seems proper--locking, sealing him in there,
that he may deceive the nations no more.

O God, the works of your hand are faithful and just;
but we know that our anger is not what you want;
for through your suffering we were redeemed
when you sent redemption to your people.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 56; 149; 118; 111
Neh. 13:4-22
Rev. 20:1-6
Matt. 16:21-28

Selected Verses
Ps. 111:7, 9
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
      all his precepts are trustworthy. …
He sent redemption to his people;
      he has commanded his covenant forever.
      Holy and awesome is his name.

Neh. 13:8
And I [Nehemiah] was very angry, and I threw all the household furniture of Tobiah out of the room.

Rev. 20:2-3a
[The angel] seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and locked and sealed it over him, so that he would deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were ended.

Matt. 16:21
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.

Who Am I; Who Are You?--Nov. 11, 2011

2011-11-10T22:08:00.002-05:00

You have searched me, known me--
watched over my every move,
discerned my every thought.
Who do you say that I am?

Who do I say you are?
A rider on a white horse,
many diadems for a crown,
your eyes aflame, and bearing a
name inscribed that only you know?

Or shall I say you are the joy of Jerusalem
who offered yourself as a great sacrifice,
over whom we rejoice with great joy?

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 130; 148; 32; 139
Neh. 12:27-31a, 42b-47
Rev. 19:11-16
Matt. 16:13-20

Selected Verses
Ps. 139:1-2
O LORD, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.

Neh. 12:43
[The people] offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. The joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

Rev. 19:12
[The eyes of the rider on the white horse] are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems; and he has a name inscribed that no one knows but himself.

Matt. 16:15
[Jesus] said to [his disciples], “But who do you say that I am?”

With You, the Fountain of Life--Nov. 10, 2011

2011-11-10T00:46:00.002-05:00

The evil ask for signs from you,
expecting to see none.

The righteous (who do not
consider themselves righteous)
see light in your light,
for to them you are the fountain of life.

Could Nehemiah have built the wall in 52 days
had he not seen light in your light?

Blessed are those who are invited
to the marriage feast of the Lamb--
they are with you in the fountain of life.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 36; 147:12-20; 80; 27
Neh. 6:1-19
Rev. 19:1-10
Matt. 16:1-12

Selected Verses
Ps. 36:9
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.

Neh. 6:15
So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.

Rev. 19:9a
And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."

Matt. 16:4a
"…An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." [Jesus to the Pharisees and Sadducees who had come to test him]

For the Day is Holy--Nov. 9, 2011

2011-11-08T23:44:00.003-05:00

We grieve because the light of your lamp
seems to shine in us no more,
and we come to your feet.

Then we hear your words declared to us
and are amazed at your power to heal,
and we ponder your steadfast love;
and we make great rejoicing
because we understand;
and the day is holy
to us and to you,
Lord Jesus.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 15; 147:1-11; 48; 4
Neh. 7:73b-8:3, 5-18
Rev. 18:21-24
Matt. 15:29-39

Selected Verses
Ps. 48:9
We ponder your steadfast love, O God,
in the midst of your temple.

Neh. 8:11-12
So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, "Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved." And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

Rev. 18:23a
"…and the light of a lamp
will shine in you no more…" [A mighty angel, to Babylon]

Matt. 15:30-31a
Great crowds came to [Jesus], bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed…

Not for Dainties and Splendor--Nov. 8, 2011

2011-11-07T21:50:00.002-05:00

O my God, how often I have turned a stubborn shoulder
and stiffened my neck to you, refusing to obey.

Yet you did not send me away. You brought up
my soul from Sheol and restored me to life
from among those gone down to the Pit.

Teach me to be grateful and to long after you,
not after all the dainties and splendor
for which my soul is wont to long.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 123; 146; 30; 86
Neh. 9:26-38
Rev. 18:9-20
Matt. 15:21-28

Selected Verses
Ps. 30:3
O LORD, you brought up my soul from Sheol,
      restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.

Neh. 9:29c
"…They turned a stubborn shoulder and stiffened their neck and would not obey. …" [Ezra praying before the people of Israel who were of Israelite descent]

Rev. 18:14
"The fruit for which your soul longed
      has gone from you,
and all your dainties and your splendor
      are lost to you,
      never to be found again!"
[The merchants of the earth, mourning for Babylon, the mighty city]

Matt. 15:23b
And his disciples came and urged [Jesus], saying, "Send [the Canaanite woman] away, for she keeps shouting after us."

The Power of our Luxury--Nov. 7, 2011

2011-11-06T22:24:00.003-05:00

We know that you are a God ready to forgive,
gracious and merciful, slow to anger
and abounding in steadfast love.

And we remember that you did not forsake
your people who were fleeing Egypt,
even though they forsook you.

Still, we wonder whether we are a people
who honors you with our lips, but
whose hearts are far from you.

Though we laud you from one generation to the next,
the merchants of the earth have grown rich
from the power of our luxury.

All the while, kings of the earth commit fornication
with us, and with the power of our military;
and the poor of the earth suffer famine.

Are we different from ancient Babylon (or Rome),
with which all nations drank "of the wine
of the wrath of her fornication"?

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 135; 145; 97; 112
Neh. 9:1-25
Rev. 18:1-8
Matt. 15:1-20

Selected Verses
Ps. 145:4
One generation shall laud your works to another,
      and shall declare your mighty acts.

Neh. 9:17c
"…But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and you did not forsake [the people of Israel who had fled Egypt but refused to obey]. …" [Ezra praying before the people of Israel who were of Israelite descent]

Rev. 18:3
"…For all the nations have drunk
      of the wine of the wrath of her fornication,
and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her,
      and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from
            the power of her luxury."
[An angel of great authority refers to the fall of Babylon the great]

Matt. 15:8
"… 'This people honors me with their lips,
      but their hearts are far from me …'"
[Jesus quotes Isaiah to rebuke the Pharisees and scribes who criticized his disciples]

Does a Clear Conscience Suffice?--Nov. 6, 2011

2011-11-05T22:57:00.004-04:00

Paul acted with a clear conscience toward you
and all people, and we believe he acted rightly.

Ezra fasted, prayed, and spoke with clear conscience--
proud of his power to cast foreign wives out of Israel.
The four men who dared oppose Ezra are recorded
to shame them; we might regard them as heroes.

The leader of the Pharisees may well have felt proud
for condescending to invite the upstart Jesus to dinner;
Jesus said all the guests should be too poor to pay back.

Help us realize that when proud thoughts have dominion
over us, our consciences are not always trustworthy;
but when we support the poor and oppressed
we probably lean in the right direction.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 19; 150; 81; 113
Ezra 10:1-17
Acts 24:10-21
Luke 14:12-24

Selected Verses
Ps. 19:13a [see footnote a]
Keep back your servant also from proud thoughts;
do not let them have dominion over me.

Ezra 10:15
Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah opposed [Ezra's demand to send away all foreign wives], and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levites supported them.

Acts 24:16
"…Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God and all people. …" [Paul, making his defense before Felix, the governor]

Luke 14:13-14
"…But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." [Jesus to his dinner host, a leader of the Pharisees]

Even in Our Slavery--Nov. 5, 2011

2011-11-04T22:23:00.002-04:00

Though we walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve us against the wrath of our enemies.

We are slaves of our little faith,
but even in our slavery you have not forsaken us;

As Jesus reached out to Peter,
so you have extended your steadfast love.

Lord of lords and King of kings,
conquer the powers that enslave us.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 104; 149; 138; 98
Ezra 9:1-15
Rev. 17:1-14
Matt. 14:22-36

Selected Verses
Ps. 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies;
you stretch out your hand,
and your right hand delivers me.

Ezra 9:9
"…For we are slaves; yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to give us new life to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judea and Jerusalem. …" [Ezra's prayer of shame over marriages to foreigners]

Rev. 17:13-14
"… [The ten kings] are united in yielding their power and authority to the beast; they will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful." [Spoken by one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls]

Matt. 14:31
Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught [Peter], saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

All Holy to You--Nov. 4, 2011

2011-11-04T00:56:00.002-04:00

Great and amazing are your deeds,
Lord God the Almighty.

In overflowing abundance you supply our needs,
but what you give us we must share with the crowds;
we do it as a freewill offering to you.

You desire truth in the inward being;
teach us wisdom in our secret heart
to see all humanity as holy to you.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 51; 148; 142; 65
Ezra 7:27-28; 8:21-36
Rev. 15:1-8
Matt. 14:13-21

Selected Verses
Ps. 51:6
You desire truth in the inward being;
      therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

Ezra 8:28
And I said to [the twelve priests], "You are holy to the LORD, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your ancestors. …"

Rev. 15:3a-b
And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:
      "Great and amazing are your deeds,
          Lord God the Almighty! …"

Matt. 14:19b
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, [Jesus] looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

You Do See!--Nov. 3, 2011

2011-11-02T23:44:00.002-04:00

Note: On the whole, I appreciate the Daily Lectionary; but I have a small quarrel with the psalm selections. Omitted entirely is one of my favorites, the gentle 131st. I understand why 109 is not favored (vengeful and vindictive throughout), but must we throw out the expressive lament in 137 just because of its brutal final verse? After all, the last three verses of 149 are extremely vicious; yet, as one of the laudate psalms, 149 is served up every Saturday. Psalm 10 is an outcry to God against oppressors--belligerently worded, but honest. (It should resonate with the OWS protestors.) I have substituted Psalm 10 for Psalm 16 in my lectionary readings today.

O God, you do see!
We worry and despair over trouble and grief,
we give up hope that you will rescue the victims;
but you see, and you will act.

You see also those who study your law,
and teach it, and do it.
Those who suffer, and those who labor
to do your will, are under your loving eye.

They will rest, they will find salvation,
and their deeds shall follow them.
We have the example of John the Baptist.
We have the example of Jesus.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 97; 147:12-20; 10; 62
Ezra 7:1-26
Rev. 14:1-13
Matt. 14:1-12

Selected Verses
Ps. 10:14
But you do see! Indeed you note trouble and grief,
that you may take it into your hands;
the helpless commit themselves to you;
you have been the helper of the orphan.

Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach the statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Rev. 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them."

Matt. 14:1-2
At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus; and he said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him."

Not with the Scoffers--Nov. 2, 2011

2011-11-01T23:32:00.002-04:00

The scoffers had a field day with Jesus:
Where did a carpenter's son get all this?
Keep me from the seat of the scoffers.

Let my delight be in doing your will.
Let me not cling to my own welfare
when you call me to be faithful.

You will not forsake me;
may I never forsake you.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 89:1-18; 147:1-11; 1; 33
Neh. 13:4-22
Rev. 12:1-12
Matt. 13:53-58

Selected Verses
Ps. 1:1
Happy are those
      who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
      or sit in the seat of scoffers…

Neh. 13:11a
So I remonstrated with the officials and said, "Why is the house of God forsaken?"

Rev. 12:11
"…But [our comrades] have conquered [their accuser] by the blood of the Lamb
      and by the word of their testimony,
for they did not cling to life even in the face of death. …"
[A loud voice from heaven]

Matt. 13:54-55a
[Jesus] came to his home town and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter's son? …"

Woe and Joy--Nov. 1, 2011

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Woe is in our past,
woe will come in our future.

But we will not live in lament over the one,
nor in fear over the other,

for you have commanded your steadfast love
by day, and your song is with us at night.

You have made us rejoice with great joy;
we will keep our joys like treasures,

and bring them out in the future
when we need them.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 42; 146; 102; 133
Neh. 12:27-31a, 42b-47
Rev.11:1-19
Matt. 13:44-52

Selected Verses
Ps. 42:8
By day the LORD commands his steadfast love,
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.

Neh. 12:43a
[The people] offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy…

Rev.11:14
The second woe has passed. The third woe is coming very soon.

Matt. 13:52
And [Jesus] said to [his disciples], "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."

Afraid of the Inventions of Our Minds--Oct. 31, 2011

2011-10-30T23:19:00.002-04:00

Lord Jesus, we walk around in darkness,
without knowledge or understanding;
and all our foundations are shaken.

We act as if all we have to read
is a little scroll held open in an angel hand,
(an apparition fit for Halloween).

You have taught us with parables,
in your words and in your doing
have explained them.

There is no need to be frightened
by the inventions of our minds.
Strengthen our hands, O Jesus.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 5; 145; 82; 29
Neh. 6:1-19
Rev. 10:1-11
Matt. 13:36-43

Selected Verses
Ps. 82:5
They have neither knowledge nor understanding,
they walk around in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

Neh. 6:8-9
Then I [Nehemiah] sent to [Sanballat], saying, "No such things as you say have been done; you are inventing them out of your own mind"--for they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done. But now, O God, strengthen my hands.

Rev. 10:2a
[A mighty angel] held a little scroll open in his hand.

Matt. 13:36
Then [Jesus] left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field."

Satisfied? --Oct. 30, 2011

2011-10-29T22:45:00.002-04:00

God of steadfast love and mercy,
from the pit you have redeemed us.

As long as we live you satisfy us with good…
but we are not easily satisfied.

We must get grain for our sons and daughters
so that all may eat and stay alive.

We are alarmed when they fall,
even when life is still in them.

Teach us to strive for your kingdom
and to be satisfied with what you provide.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 103; 150; 117; 139
Neh. 5:1-9
Acts 20:7-12
Luke 12:22-31

Selected Verses
Ps. 103:4-5a
…who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live…

Neh. 5:2
For there were those who said, "With our sons and our daughters, we are many; we must get grain, so that we may eat and stay alive."

Acts 20:9-10
A young man named Eutychus, who was sitting in the window, began to sink off into a deep sleep while Paul talked still longer. Overcome by sleep, he fell to the ground three floors below and was picked up dead. But Paul went down, and bending over him took him in his arms, and said, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him."

Luke 12:31
"…Instead, strive for [your Father's] kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." [Jesus to his disciples]

Too Much Rubbish--Oct. 29, 2011

2011-10-28T22:20:00.002-04:00

There is too much rubbish in our lives;
when we try to bear our burdens,
it's in the way; our strength fails.

Clear the rubbish away, O God,
and help us wash our robes;
prosper for us the work of our hands.

Even if we have come out of a great ordeal,
plant your kingdom mustard seed in our hearts;
let your favor be upon us.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 63; 149; 125; 90
Neh. 4:1-23
Rev. 7:4-17
Matt. 13:31-35

Selected Verses
Ps. 90:17
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and prosper for us the work of our hands—
O prosper the work of our hands!

Neh. 4:10
But Judah said, "The strength of the burden bearers is failing, and there is too much rubbish so that we are unable to work on the wall."

Rev. 7:13
Then [an elder] said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. …"

Matt. 13:31
[Jesus] put before [his disciples] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field…"

Happier Those Pierced by the Sword--Oct. 28, 2011

2011-10-28T01:03:00.002-04:00

God, you have sown good seeds,
but there are weeds in the crop.
Did you sow the weeds, too,
or just allow them to grow?

Either way, in the Horn of Africa
innocents are pierced by hunger;
deprived of produce of the field,
the lives of babies drain away.

They are not able to stand against
the wrath of drought, of famine
begotten by the weeds of war,
of greed, of our indifference.

The children are poor and needy;
do we not take thought for them?
They need help and a deliverer;
do not let us delay, O our God.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 84; 148; 25; 40
Lam. 4:1-22
Rev. 6:12-7:4
Matt. 13:24-30

Selected Verses
Ps. 40:17
As for me, I am poor and needy,
      but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
      do not delay, O my God.

Lam. 4:9
Happier were those pierced by the sword
      than those pierced by hunger,
whose life drains away, deprived
      of the produce of the field.

Rev. 6:16b-17
"Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" [The cry of the rich and powerful, and everyone, slave and free, who called to the mountains and rocks]

Matt. 13:27
"…And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ …" [Jesus to his disciples]

Serving and Suffering--Oct. 27, 2011

2011-10-27T00:16:00.002-04:00

There are those who suffer because they serve;
there are others who simply suffer.
Whatever the cause, we pray
mercy on the sufferers.

There are those who serve until the suffering begins
and who then fall away. Give them courage
born out of love; help them to learn from
Jesus, the Lamb who was slaughtered;

for he is worthy to receive power
and wealth and wisdom
and might and honor
and glory and blessing.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 116; 147:12-20; 26; 130
Lam. 2:16-22
Rev. 5:11-6:11
Matt. 13:18-23

Selected Verses
Ps. 116:16
O LORD, I am your servant;
      I am your servant, the child of your serving girl.
      You have loosed my bonds.

Lam. 2:20
Look, O LORD, and consider!
      To whom have you done this?
Should women eat their offspring,
      the children they have borne?

Rev. 5:12b
      "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered
      to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
      and honor and glory and blessing!"
[The song of myriads of angels surrounding the throne]

Matt. 13:20-21
"…As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. …" [Jesus to his disciples]

Opportunity Lost--Oct. 26, 2011

2011-10-26T00:26:00.002-04:00

King Darius made a decree--
out of fear was obeyed.

When we ignore your decrees,
have we no fear?

We may lift our hands to bless you,
but we do not obey you.

We have been permitted to see and hear
what many before us longed to see and hear;
but we live as if we have neither seen nor heard.

We should weep bitterly over the lost opportunity,
and pray for you to forgive us and change us.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 96; 147:1-11; 132; 134
Ezra 6:1-22
Rev. 5:1-10
Matt. 13:10-17

Selected Verses
Ps. 134:2
Lift up your hands to the holy place,
and bless the LORD.

Ezra 6:12b
"…I, Darius, make a decree; let it be done with all diligence."

Rev. 5:4
And I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.

Matt. 13:17
"…Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it." [Jesus to his disciples]

Let a Door Stand Open--Oct. 25, 2011

2011-10-25T00:42:00.002-04:00

May your eye be upon me, O God,
lest the words of my mouth
be mischief and conceit.

I want to be fertile soil for the seeds you sow,
but thorns grow up and choke them out,
and I fail to act wisely or do good.

Most merciful God, unless you leave
a door standing open for me,
how can I enter in?

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 12; 146; 36; 7
Ezra 5:1-17
Rev. 4:1-11
Matt. 13:1-9

Selected Verses
Ps. 36:3
The words of their mouths are mischief and deceit;
they have ceased to act wisely and do good.

Ezra 5:5
But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, and [the officials who questioned them for building the temple] did not stop them until a report reached Darius and then answer was returned by letter in reply to it.

Rev. 4:1a
After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open!

Matt. 13:7
Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.

The Keys of Death and of Hades--Oct. 24, 2011

2011-10-24T00:33:00.002-04:00

Let me do your will, Lord Jesus,
that I may be your brother.

Yet forbid that I should seek
great things for myself;

but let my mouth speak your praise,
for you are the first and the last,

the living one, alive forever and ever;
you have the keys of death and of hades.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 62; 145; 73; 9
Jer. 45:1-5
Rev. 1:4-20
Matt. 12:43-50

Selected Verses
Ps. 145:21
My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.

Jer. 45:5
"…And you, do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for I am going to bring disaster upon all flesh, says the LORD; but I will give you your life as a prize of war in every place to which you may go." [The LORD, through Jeremiah, speaking to Baruch]

Rev. 1:17-18
When I saw him [one like the Son of Man], I fell at his feet as though dead. But he placed his right hand on me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades. …"

Matt. 12:50
"…For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother. …" [Jesus to the one who had told him his mother and brothers were outside]