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.

No Heavenly Sign from Me--April 2, 2014


Forbid, O God, that I should ever
try to be in your place.
Your Spirit activates and allots your gifts--
I have no heavenly sign to offer.
My only hope is in your steadfast love.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 5; 147:1-11; 27; 51
Gen. 50:15-26
1 Cor. 12:1-11
Mark 8:11-26

Selected Verses
Ps. 147:11
…but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
          in those who hope in his steadfast love.

Gen. 50:19
But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God?  …"

1 Cor. 12:11
All [these gifts] are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

Mark 8:11
The Pharisees came and began to argue with [Jesus], asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. 
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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