I am an emeritus professor from Cornell University and was a Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years I have followed the Daily Lectionary as printed in the Mission Yearbook of my church. For each day of a two-year cycle, the lectionary lists four psalms and three other scriptural passages--usually one from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. My practice is to copy down a verse or two from one of the psalms and from each of the other three passages. After I have written out all four selections, I reflect upon them, rearrange their order, and incorporate them into a meditation. Sometimes I retain much of the original wording; sometimes all that remains of a selection is an idea that was stimulated when I read the original words. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For the Daily Lectionary, see the link below.

February 17, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 32, 130, 139
Genesis 32:22-33:17
1 John 3:1-10
John 10:31-42

II. Selections
Psalm 32:2
Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Genesis 33:16-17
So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. But Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built himself a house, and made booths for his cattle; therefore the place is called Succoth.

I John 3:1
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.

John 10:38
" ...But if I do [ the works of my Father], even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father."

III. Meditation: Deceit or happiness
What love you have given us,
that we should be called your children.

Lord Jesus, from your works we understand,
your Father is in you, and you are in your Father.

In your name, and in the name of the Father,
free us from our iniquity.

Teach us what Jacob seems never to have learned-
happy are those in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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