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My Meditations on the Daily Lectionary
Meditations inspired by readings from the Daily Lectionary as found in the Mission Yearbook of the Presbyterian Church (USA)Elmer E. Ewinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17601870104118149054elmer.ewing@gmail.comBlogger2083125
Updated: 43 min 47 sec ago
Fenced In and Falling--August 21, 2010
I. Readings
Psalms 56, 149, 118, 111
Job 3:1-26
Acts 9:10-19a
John 6:41-51
II. Selections
Psalm 118:13
I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
      but the LORD helped me.
Job 3:23
“…Why is light given to one who cannot see the way, whom God has fenced in? … ” [Job cursing the day of his birth]
Acts 9:18a
And immediately something like scales fell from [Saul’s] eyes, and his sight was restored.
John 6:42a
[The Jews who complained about Jesus] were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? … ”
III. Meditation
I have wandered blindly,
even though the light—
your light—is all around me.
I have been pushed hard;
I am fenced in and falling.
Can this Jesus
(son of Mary and Joseph)
help me regain my footing…
take the scales from my eyes
and restore my vision?
It happened for Saul;
can it happen for me?
Categories: CCbloggers
When Bone and Flesh Fail Us--August 20, 2010
I. Readings
Psalms 130, 148, 32, 139
Job 2:1-13
Acts 9:1-9
John 6:27-40
II. Selections
Psalm 32:6
Therefore let all who are faithful
      offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
      shall not reach them.
Job 2:4-5
Then Satan answered the LORD, “Skin for skin! All that people have they will give to save their lives. But stretch out your hand now and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.”
Acts 9:5-6
[Saul] asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
John 6:33
“…For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. … ” [Jesus to the crowd]
III. Meditation
When we are about to drown
from the rush of mighty waters,
when bone and flesh fail us,
shall we curse you for our suffering?
Make us faithful as we offer prayer
to you in the time of our distress;
feed us on your bread from heaven
and tell us what we are to do.
Categories: CCbloggers
Food for Rejoicing--August 19, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 36, 147:12-20, 80, 27
Job 1:1-22
Acts 8:26-40
John 6:16-27
II. Selections
Psalm 27:6
Now my head is lifted up
      above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
      sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
Job 1:9-10a
Then Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? … ”
Acts 8:39
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
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.
III. Meditation
O God, on what basis shall we sing and
make melody to you with shouts of joy?
Because our head is lifted up
above our enemies all around us?
Because you fence us off, and our
house, and all we have, to protect us?
The eunuch experienced the most important reason—
you give us the food that endures for eternal life.
We can partake and go on our way rejoicing,
whatever else you may snatch away from us.
I. Readings
Psalms 36, 147:12-20, 80, 27
Job 1:1-22
Acts 8:26-40
John 6:16-27
II. Selections
Psalm 27:6
Now my head is lifted up
      above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
      sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
Job 1:9-10a
Then Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? … ”
Acts 8:39
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
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.
III. Meditation
O God, on what basis shall we sing and
make melody to you with shouts of joy?
Because our head is lifted up
above our enemies all around us?
Because you fence us off, and our
house, and all we have, to protect us?
The eunuch experienced the most important reason—
you give us the food that endures for eternal life.
We can partake and go on our way rejoicing,
whatever else you may snatch away from us.
Categories: CCbloggers
Concern Over Numbers--August 18, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 15, 147:1-11, 48, 4
Judges 18:16-31
Acts 8:14-25
John 6:1-15
II. Selections
Psalm 4:2
How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
      How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?
            Selah
Judges 18:19b
“…Is it better for you to be a priest to the house of one person, or to be priest to a tribe and clan in Israel?” [The Danites to Micah’s priest]
Acts 8:20
But Peter said to [Simon], “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money! … ”
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?” [Andrew to Jesus]
III. Meditation
Dear God, we are concerned,
far too concerned, about numbers.
We hesitate to feed the hungry,
fretting that too few will be fed.
When we participate in a worship service
we worry over the size of the congregation.
How we love big numbers and the
vain words that accompany them!
We know how to manipulate numbers,
how to manipulate people with numbers.
If our numbers are not impressive enough,
we spend more money to buy your love.
Forgive us, when we shame your honor
with uncalled-for concern over numbers.
I. Readings
Psalms 15, 147:1-11, 48, 4
Judges 18:16-31
Acts 8:14-25
John 6:1-15
II. Selections
Psalm 4:2
How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
      How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?
            Selah
Judges 18:19b
“…Is it better for you to be a priest to the house of one person, or to be priest to a tribe and clan in Israel?” [The Danites to Micah’s priest]
Acts 8:20
But Peter said to [Simon], “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain God’s gift with money! … ”
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?” [Andrew to Jesus]
III. Meditation
Dear God, we are concerned,
far too concerned, about numbers.
We hesitate to feed the hungry,
fretting that too few will be fed.
When we participate in a worship service
we worry over the size of the congregation.
How we love big numbers and the
vain words that accompany them!
We know how to manipulate numbers,
how to manipulate people with numbers.
If our numbers are not impressive enough,
we spend more money to buy your love.
Forgive us, when we shame your honor
with uncalled-for concern over numbers.
Categories: CCbloggers
When You Hide Your Face--August 17, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 123, 146, 30, 86
Judges 18:1-15
Acts 8:1-13
John 5:30-47
II. Selections
Psalm 30:6-7
As for me, I said in my prosperity,
      “I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O LORD,
      you had established me as a strong mountain;
you hid your face;
      I was dismayed.
Judges 18:14
Then the five men who had gone to spy out the land (that is, Laish) said to their comrades, “Do you know that in these buildings there are an ephod, teraphim, and an idol of cast metal? Now therefore consider what you will do.”
Acts 8:1b
That day [when Stephen was stoned to death] a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria.
John 5:44
How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God?
III. Meditation: When You Hide Your Face
We don’t need you, O God…or so we act much of the time.
In our prosperity we feel comfortable, firmly established.
We accept glory from another, not even thinking about the
glory that derives only from you, you who alone are God.
Then you hide your face, and we are dismayed. Aren’t you
always going to be available whenever we call upon you?
Can’t we just turn to our domesticated version of religion,
to our household gods, and find you ready to help us?
What will happen to our faux religion
if severe persecution sweeps over us?
I. Readings
Psalms 123, 146, 30, 86
Judges 18:1-15
Acts 8:1-13
John 5:30-47
II. Selections
Psalm 30:6-7
As for me, I said in my prosperity,
      “I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O LORD,
      you had established me as a strong mountain;
you hid your face;
      I was dismayed.
Judges 18:14
Then the five men who had gone to spy out the land (that is, Laish) said to their comrades, “Do you know that in these buildings there are an ephod, teraphim, and an idol of cast metal? Now therefore consider what you will do.”
Acts 8:1b
That day [when Stephen was stoned to death] a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria.
John 5:44
How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God?
III. Meditation: When You Hide Your Face
We don’t need you, O God…or so we act much of the time.
In our prosperity we feel comfortable, firmly established.
We accept glory from another, not even thinking about the
glory that derives only from you, you who alone are God.
Then you hide your face, and we are dismayed. Aren’t you
always going to be available whenever we call upon you?
Can’t we just turn to our domesticated version of religion,
to our household gods, and find you ready to help us?
What will happen to our faux religion
if severe persecution sweeps over us?
Categories: CCbloggers
When You Hide Your Face
I. Readings
Psalms 123, 146, 30, 86
Judges 18:1-15
Acts 8:1-13
John 5:30-47
II. Selections
Psalm 30:6-7
As for me, I said in my prosperity,
      “I shall never be moved.”
By your favor, O LORD,
      you had established me as a strong mountain;
you hid your face;
      I was dismayed.
Judges 18:14
Then the five men who had gone to spy out the land (that is, Laish) said to their comrades, “Do you know that in these buildings there are an ephod, teraphim, and an idol of cast metal? Now therefore consider what you will do.”
Acts 8:1b
That day [when Stephen was stoned to death] a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria.
John 5:44
How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God?
III. Meditation: When You Hide Your Face
We don’t need you, O God…or so we act much of the time.
In our prosperity we feel comfortable, firmly established.
We accept glory from another, not even thinking about the
glory that derives only from you, you who alone are God.
Then you hide your face, and we are dismayed. Aren’t you
always going to be available whenever we call upon you?
Can’t we just turn to our domesticated version of religion,
to our household gods, and find you ready to help us?
What will happen to our faux religion
if severe persecution sweeps over us?
Categories: CCbloggers
Right in Our Own Eyes--August 16, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 135, 145, 97, 112
Judges 17:1-13
Acts 7:44-8:1a
John 5:19-29
II. Selections
Psalms 97:1
The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice;
      let the many coastlands be glad!
Judges 17:6
In those days there was no king in Israel; all the people did what was right in their own eyes.
Acts 8:1a
And Saul approved of their killing [Stephen].
John 5:19
Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. … ”
III. Meditation
What does it mean that you are King,
and why should it make us be glad?
When we have no authority in our lives,
we do what is right in our own eyes—
and our vision is poor. (Saul watched
approvingly while Stephen was stoned.)
Teach us to emulate Jesus, who did nothing
on his own, but only what he saw you doing.
Then we will have reason to rejoice and be glad.
I. Readings
Psalms 135, 145, 97, 112
Judges 17:1-13
Acts 7:44-8:1a
John 5:19-29
II. Selections
Psalms 97:1
The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice;
      let the many coastlands be glad!
Judges 17:6
In those days there was no king in Israel; all the people did what was right in their own eyes.
Acts 8:1a
And Saul approved of their killing [Stephen].
John 5:19
Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. … ”
III. Meditation
What does it mean that you are King,
and why should it make us be glad?
When we have no authority in our lives,
we do what is right in our own eyes—
and our vision is poor. (Saul watched
approvingly while Stephen was stoned.)
Teach us to emulate Jesus, who did nothing
on his own, but only what he saw you doing.
Then we will have reason to rejoice and be glad.
Categories: CCbloggers
Out of Fear or Love--August 15, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 19, 150, 81, 113
Judges 16:15-31
2 Corinthians 13:1-11
Mark 5:25-34
II. Selections
Psalm 81:13
O that my people would listen to me,
      that Israel would walk in my ways!
Judges 16:23-24
Now the lords of the Philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon, and to rejoice; for they said, “Our god has given Samson our enemy into our hand.” When the people saw him, they praised their god; for they said, “Our god has given our enemy into our hand, the ravager of our country, who has killed many of us.”
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test!
Mark 5:33-34
But the woman [who had been healed], knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before [Jesus], and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
III. Meditation
The Philistines believed in their god, Dagon.
They must have feared him, even if they did not love him.
The woman healed from a hemorrhage trusted Jesus
enough to let him heal her. She must have loved him,
even if she was afraid when he called out after the healing.
Paul admonishes us to test and examine ourselves
to see whether you are living within us. The motivation
could be fear, but surely love can call us to self-examination.
If we feared you more, would we listen to you more?
Is our problem lack of fear, or lack of love—or both?
I. Readings
Psalms 19, 150, 81, 113
Judges 16:15-31
2 Corinthians 13:1-11
Mark 5:25-34
II. Selections
Psalm 81:13
O that my people would listen to me,
      that Israel would walk in my ways!
Judges 16:23-24
Now the lords of the Philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon, and to rejoice; for they said, “Our god has given Samson our enemy into our hand.” When the people saw him, they praised their god; for they said, “Our god has given our enemy into our hand, the ravager of our country, who has killed many of us.”
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test!
Mark 5:33-34
But the woman [who had been healed], knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before [Jesus], and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
III. Meditation
The Philistines believed in their god, Dagon.
They must have feared him, even if they did not love him.
The woman healed from a hemorrhage trusted Jesus
enough to let him heal her. She must have loved him,
even if she was afraid when he called out after the healing.
Paul admonishes us to test and examine ourselves
to see whether you are living within us. The motivation
could be fear, but surely love can call us to self-examination.
If we feared you more, would we listen to you more?
Is our problem lack of fear, or lack of love—or both?
Categories: CCbloggers
Rejoicing Without Understanding--August 14, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 104, 149, 138, 98
Judges 16:1-14
Acts 7:30-43
John 5:1-18
II. Selections
Psalm 104:31
May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
      may the LORD rejoice in his works—
who looks on the earth and it trembles,
      who touches the mountains and they smoke.
Judges 16:6
So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me what makes your strength so great, and how you could be bound, so that one could subdue you.”
Acts 7:33
“…Then the Lord said to [Moses], ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. … ’ … ” [from Stephen’s speech to the Council]
John 5:1-18
Therefore the Jews started persecuting Jesus, because he was doing such things on the sabbath. But Jesus answered them, “My Father is still working, and I also am working.”
III. Meditation
Jesus did not cease to do good works on the sabbath,
because he knew that you were still working then.
May you rejoice in your works; and may we rejoice in them,
though we understand your power even less than Delilah
understood Samson’s.
Delilah tried treachery to discover Samson’s secret.
We must be satisfied to remove our sandals and
stand in awe of yours.
I. Readings
Psalms 104, 149, 138, 98
Judges 16:1-14
Acts 7:30-43
John 5:1-18
II. Selections
Psalm 104:31
May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
      may the LORD rejoice in his works—
who looks on the earth and it trembles,
      who touches the mountains and they smoke.
Judges 16:6
So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me what makes your strength so great, and how you could be bound, so that one could subdue you.”
Acts 7:33
“…Then the Lord said to [Moses], ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. … ’ … ” [from Stephen’s speech to the Council]
John 5:1-18
Therefore the Jews started persecuting Jesus, because he was doing such things on the sabbath. But Jesus answered them, “My Father is still working, and I also am working.”
III. Meditation
Jesus did not cease to do good works on the sabbath,
because he knew that you were still working then.
May you rejoice in your works; and may we rejoice in them,
though we understand your power even less than Delilah
understood Samson’s.
Delilah tried treachery to discover Samson’s secret.
We must be satisfied to remove our sandals and
stand in awe of yours.
Categories: CCbloggers
A Different Kind of Wisdom--August 13, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 51, 148, 142, 65
Judges 14:20-15:20
Acts 7:17-29
John 4:43-54
II. Selections
Psalm 51:6
You desire truth in the inward being;
      therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
Judges 15:11c
[Samson] replied, “As they did to me, so I have done to them.”
Acts 7:26
“…The next day [Moses] came to some of [the Israelites] as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you wrong each other?’ … ” [from Stephen’s speech to the Council]
John 4:50b
The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way.
III. Meditation
Samson summarizes the wisdom of this world:
As they did to me, so I have done to them.
By your grace, give us a different kind
of wisdom, a wisdom in our secret heart,
that we may desire your truth in our inward
being and believe the word you have spoken to us.
Help us recognize all your children as are our sisters
and brothers, that we may end our quarrels and our
violence, and that we may be reconciled to one another.
I. Readings
Psalms 51, 148, 142, 65
Judges 14:20-15:20
Acts 7:17-29
John 4:43-54
II. Selections
Psalm 51:6
You desire truth in the inward being;
      therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
Judges 15:11c
[Samson] replied, “As they did to me, so I have done to them.”
Acts 7:26
“…The next day [Moses] came to some of [the Israelites] as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you wrong each other?’ … ” [from Stephen’s speech to the Council]
John 4:50b
The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way.
III. Meditation
Samson summarizes the wisdom of this world:
As they did to me, so I have done to them.
By your grace, give us a different kind
of wisdom, a wisdom in our secret heart,
that we may desire your truth in our inward
being and believe the word you have spoken to us.
Help us recognize all your children as are our sisters
and brothers, that we may end our quarrels and our
violence, and that we may be reconciled to one another.
Categories: CCbloggers
I Want What Pleases Me--August 12, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 97, 147:12-20, 16, 62
Judges 14:1-19
Acts 6:15-7:16
John 4:27-42
II. Selections
Psalm 16:7
I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
      in the night also my heart instructs me.
Judges 14:3
But his father and mother said to [Samson], “Is there not a woman among your kin, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, because she pleases me.”
Acts 7:1
Then the high priest asked [Stephen], “Are these things so?”
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]
III. Meditation
You give me counsel, even in the middle of the night.
Like Samson, I know what I want; I ignore your counsel.
You give me counsel; but I am cynical, like the high priest.
“Are these things so?” I ask, but I keep my own opinion.
You instruct me that others have labored for my benefit,
and—wanting what pleases me—I ignore what you want.
I. Readings
Psalms 97, 147:12-20, 16, 62
Judges 14:1-19
Acts 6:15-7:16
John 4:27-42
II. Selections
Psalm 16:7
I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
      in the night also my heart instructs me.
Judges 14:3
But his father and mother said to [Samson], “Is there not a woman among your kin, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, because she pleases me.”
Acts 7:1
Then the high priest asked [Stephen], “Are these things so?”
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]
III. Meditation
You give me counsel, even in the middle of the night.
Like Samson, I know what I want; I ignore your counsel.
You give me counsel; but I am cynical, like the high priest.
“Are these things so?” I ask, but I keep my own opinion.
You instruct me that others have labored for my benefit,
and—wanting what pleases me—I ignore what you want.
Categories: CCbloggers
What We Ask For, What We Need--August 11, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 89:1-18, 147:1-11, 1, 33
Judges 13:15-24
Acts 6:1-15
John 4:1-26
II. Selections
Psalm 33:20-21
Our soul waits for the LORD
      he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him,
      because we trust in his holy name.
Judges 13:18
But the angel of the LORD said to [Manoah], “Why do you ask my name? It is too wonderful.”
Acts 6:6
[The whole community] had [Stephen and the six others chosen to be deacons] stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
John 4:11
The woman said to [Jesus], “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? … ”
III. Meditation
We ask for things too wonderful for us,
for things beyond our understanding;
yet we fail to act upon the things we understand.
We know you are our help and shield, and we can trust in you.
We know you will supply the living water for which we thirst.
That should be enough knowledge.
As Stephen and the other six stood before the apostles
to be ordained, strengthen us to take our stand, secure
in the assurance you have given us all the information we need.
I. Readings
Psalms 89:1-18, 147:1-11, 1, 33
Judges 13:15-24
Acts 6:1-15
John 4:1-26
II. Selections
Psalm 33:20-21
Our soul waits for the LORD
      he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him,
      because we trust in his holy name.
Judges 13:18
But the angel of the LORD said to [Manoah], “Why do you ask my name? It is too wonderful.”
Acts 6:6
[The whole community] had [Stephen and the six others chosen to be deacons] stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
John 4:11
The woman said to [Jesus], “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? … ”
III. Meditation
We ask for things too wonderful for us,
for things beyond our understanding;
yet we fail to act upon the things we understand.
We know you are our help and shield, and we can trust in you.
We know you will supply the living water for which we thirst.
That should be enough knowledge.
As Stephen and the other six stood before the apostles
to be ordained, strengthen us to take our stand, secure
in the assurance you have given us all the information we need.
Categories: CCbloggers
What We Ask For, What We Need
I. Readings
Psalms 89:1-18, 147:1-11, 1, 33
Judges 13:15-24
Acts 6:1-15
John 4:1-26
II. Selections
Psalm 33:20-21
Our soul waits for the LORD
      he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him,
      because we trust in his holy name.
Judges 13:18
But the angel of the LORD said to [Manoah], “Why do you ask my name? It is too wonderful.”
Acts 6:6
[The whole community] had [Stephen and the six others chosen to be deacons] stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
John 4:11
The woman said to [Jesus], “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? … ”
III. Meditation
We ask for things too wonderful for us,
for things beyond our understanding;
yet we fail to act upon the things we understand.
We know you are our help and shield, and we can trust in you.
We know you will supply the living water for which we thirst.
That should be enough knowledge.
As Stephen and the other six stood before the apostles
to be ordained, strengthen us to take our stand, secure
in the assurance you have given us all the information we need.
Categories: CCbloggers
Memories of Sorrows--August 10, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 42, 146, 102, 133
Judges 13:1-15
Acts 5:27-42
John 3:22-36
II. Selections
Psalm 42:7
Deep calls to deep
      at the thunder of your cataracts;
all your waves and your billows
      have gone over me.
Judges 13:8
Then Manoah entreated the LORD, and said, “O, LORD, I pray, let the man of God whom you sent come to us again and teach us what we are to do concerning the boy who will be born.”
Acts 5:31
God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
John 3:29-30
“…He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” [John the Baptist to his disciples]
III. Meditation
Memories of sorrows we have endured
thunder over us like cataracts in a canyon;
how many heartaches we have known!
Yet you have given us reason for joy—
we have heard the voice of the bridegroom.
You have exalted him as Leader and Savior,
that he might give repentance and forgiveness.
Manoah wanted to learn more about
what the man of God had to teach him.
Make us eager to know more about
the teachings of the one you sent to us.
I. Readings
Psalms 42, 146, 102, 133
Judges 13:1-15
Acts 5:27-42
John 3:22-36
II. Selections
Psalm 42:7
Deep calls to deep
      at the thunder of your cataracts;
all your waves and your billows
      have gone over me.
Judges 13:8
Then Manoah entreated the LORD, and said, “O, LORD, I pray, let the man of God whom you sent come to us again and teach us what we are to do concerning the boy who will be born.”
Acts 5:31
God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
John 3:29-30
“…He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” [John the Baptist to his disciples]
III. Meditation
Memories of sorrows we have endured
thunder over us like cataracts in a canyon;
how many heartaches we have known!
Yet you have given us reason for joy—
we have heard the voice of the bridegroom.
You have exalted him as Leader and Savior,
that he might give repentance and forgiveness.
Manoah wanted to learn more about
what the man of God had to teach him.
Make us eager to know more about
the teachings of the one you sent to us.
Categories: CCbloggers
The Plight of Fugitives--August 09, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 5, 145, 82, 29
Judges 12:1-7
Acts 5:12-26
John 3:1-21
II. Selections
Psalm 82:1-4
God has taken his place in the divine council;
      in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
“How long will you judge unjustly
      and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
Give justice to the weak and the orphan;
      maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
      deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Judges 12:4
Then Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought with Ephraim; and the men of Gilead defeated Ephraim, because they said, “You are fugitives from Ephraim, you Gileadites—in the heart of Ephraim and Manasseh.”
Acts 5:17-18
Then the high priest took action, he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.
John 3:21
But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.
III. Meditation
The world is filled with fugitives who have been unjustly
accused, or whose plight has been ignored, by the wicked.
The wicked act from jealousy and abuse the judicial system.
Lord, are we among the wicked? Are we just in our judgments,
and is our justice tempered with mercy for the lowly and destitute?
Are we willing to struggle for the rights of the weak and the needy?
Shine your light upon us, Jesus, and draw us to you,
that we may do what is true and act with compassion.
I. Readings
Psalms 5, 145, 82, 29
Judges 12:1-7
Acts 5:12-26
John 3:1-21
II. Selections
Psalm 82:1-4
God has taken his place in the divine council;
      in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
“How long will you judge unjustly
      and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
Give justice to the weak and the orphan;
      maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
      deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Judges 12:4
Then Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought with Ephraim; and the men of Gilead defeated Ephraim, because they said, “You are fugitives from Ephraim, you Gileadites—in the heart of Ephraim and Manasseh.”
Acts 5:17-18
Then the high priest took action, he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.
John 3:21
But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.
III. Meditation
The world is filled with fugitives who have been unjustly
accused, or whose plight has been ignored, by the wicked.
The wicked act from jealousy and abuse the judicial system.
Lord, are we among the wicked? Are we just in our judgments,
and is our justice tempered with mercy for the lowly and destitute?
Are we willing to struggle for the rights of the weak and the needy?
Shine your light upon us, Jesus, and draw us to you,
that we may do what is true and act with compassion.
Categories: CCbloggers
Rejected or Rejecting--August 08, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 103, 150, 117, 139
Judges 11:1-11, 29-49
2 Corinthians 11:21b-31
Mark 4:35-41
II. Selections
Psalm 103:2
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
      and do not forget all his benefits…
Judges 11:7
But Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “Are you not the very ones who rejected me and drove me out of my father’s house? So why do you come to me now when you are in trouble?”
2 Corinthians 11:29
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I am not indignant?
Mark 4:38
But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
III. Meditation
You call us to solidarity with the weak and the persecuted;
but we are like Jephthah, reluctant to offer help
to those who may have rejected us.
Then forgetting all your benefits,
we reject you.
We accuse you of not caring that we are about to perish,
and still we dare to approach you for help
when we are in trouble.
Lord, have mercy. Do not reject us
who have been so rejecting.
I. Readings
Psalms 103, 150, 117, 139
Judges 11:1-11, 29-49
2 Corinthians 11:21b-31
Mark 4:35-41
II. Selections
Psalm 103:2
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
      and do not forget all his benefits…
Judges 11:7
But Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “Are you not the very ones who rejected me and drove me out of my father’s house? So why do you come to me now when you are in trouble?”
2 Corinthians 11:29
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I am not indignant?
Mark 4:38
But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
III. Meditation
You call us to solidarity with the weak and the persecuted;
but we are like Jephthah, reluctant to offer help
to those who may have rejected us.
Then forgetting all your benefits,
we reject you.
We accuse you of not caring that we are about to perish,
and still we dare to approach you for help
when we are in trouble.
Lord, have mercy. Do not reject us
who have been so rejecting.
Categories: CCbloggers
Motives and Actions--August 07, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 63, 149, 125, 90
Judges 9:22-25, 50-57
Acts 4:32-5:11
John 2:13-25
II. Selections
Psalm 63:3
Because your steadfast love is better than life,
      my lips will praise you.
Judges 9:54
Immediately [Abimelech] called to the young man who carried his armor and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, so people will not say about me, ‘A woman killed him.’ ”
So the young man thrust him through, and he died.
Acts 4:34
There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold.
John 2:15
Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the moneychangers and overturned their tables.
III. Meditation
Actions spring from
an array of motives:
Out of shame and embarrassment,
Abimelech ordered his own death.
In anger Jesus drove animals and
moneychangers from the temple.
Motivated by love, members of the
early church sold all their possessions
and shared the proceeds with the poor.
As we praise you, may our motive be
that your steadfast love is better than life.
I. Readings
Psalms 63, 149, 125, 90
Judges 9:22-25, 50-57
Acts 4:32-5:11
John 2:13-25
II. Selections
Psalm 63:3
Because your steadfast love is better than life,
      my lips will praise you.
Judges 9:54
Immediately [Abimelech] called to the young man who carried his armor and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, so people will not say about me, ‘A woman killed him.’ ”
So the young man thrust him through, and he died.
Acts 4:34
There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold.
John 2:15
Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the moneychangers and overturned their tables.
III. Meditation
Actions spring from
an array of motives:
Out of shame and embarrassment,
Abimelech ordered his own death.
In anger Jesus drove animals and
moneychangers from the temple.
Motivated by love, members of the
early church sold all their possessions
and shared the proceeds with the poor.
As we praise you, may our motive be
that your steadfast love is better than life.
Categories: CCbloggers
The Good Wine--August 06, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 84, 148, 25, 40
Judges 9:1-16, 19-21
Acts 4:13-31
John 2:1-12
II. Selections
Psalm 25:4-5
Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
      teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
      for you are the God of my salvation;
      for you I wait all day long.
Judges 9:15
“…And the bramble said to the trees, ‘If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’ … ” [Jotham to the lords of Shechem]
Acts 4:19-20
But Peter and John answered [the members of the Council], “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
John 2:10b
“…But you have kept the good wine until now.” [The steward to the bridegroom]
III. Meditation
Jesus, you are the Good Wine,
the one anointed to be king in our lives.
Lead us in your truth,
for we cannot find your paths
unless you make them known to us.
Lead us, and teach us,
that we may speak about
what we have seen and heard.
I. Readings
Psalms 84, 148, 25, 40
Judges 9:1-16, 19-21
Acts 4:13-31
John 2:1-12
II. Selections
Psalm 25:4-5
Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
      teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
      for you are the God of my salvation;
      for you I wait all day long.
Judges 9:15
“…And the bramble said to the trees, ‘If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’ … ” [Jotham to the lords of Shechem]
Acts 4:19-20
But Peter and John answered [the members of the Council], “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
John 2:10b
“…But you have kept the good wine until now.” [The steward to the bridegroom]
III. Meditation
Jesus, you are the Good Wine,
the one anointed to be king in our lives.
Lead us in your truth,
for we cannot find your paths
unless you make them known to us.
Lead us, and teach us,
that we may speak about
what we have seen and heard.
Categories: CCbloggers
Who Could Stand? --August 05, 2010
Welcome. In case you arrived here via CC Blogs, be aware that the link has brought you to an older posting. For the meditation on TODAY’S readings from the Daily Lectionary, please go to Archives in the sidebar and select the current date.
I. Readings
Psalms 116, 147:12-20, 26, 130
Judges 8:22-35
Acts 4:1-12
John 1:43-51
II. Selections
Psalm 130:3
If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
      Lord, who could stand?
Judges 8:27
Gideon made an ephod of [the gold] and put it in his town, in Ophrah; and all Israel prostituted themselves to it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family.
Acts 4:1-2
While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead.
John 1:46a
Nathanael said to [Philip], “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
III. Meditation: Who Could Stand?
If you should mark iniquities,
who could stand, O Lord?
Not I, not even for a day.
I find myself ensnared like Gideon,
annoyed like the critics of Jesus,
and as cynical as Nathanael.
Release me from the snares;
convert hostility to hope
and cynicism to faith.
I. Readings
Psalms 116, 147:12-20, 26, 130
Judges 8:22-35
Acts 4:1-12
John 1:43-51
II. Selections
Psalm 130:3
If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
      Lord, who could stand?
Judges 8:27
Gideon made an ephod of [the gold] and put it in his town, in Ophrah; and all Israel prostituted themselves to it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family.
Acts 4:1-2
While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead.
John 1:46a
Nathanael said to [Philip], “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
III. Meditation: Who Could Stand?
If you should mark iniquities,
who could stand, O Lord?
Not I, not even for a day.
I find myself ensnared like Gideon,
annoyed like the critics of Jesus,
and as cynical as Nathanael.
Release me from the snares;
convert hostility to hope
and cynicism to faith.
Categories: CCbloggers
Who Could Stand? --August 5, 2010
I. Readings
Psalms 116, 147:12-20, 26, 130
Judges 8:22-35
Acts 4:1-12
John 1:43-51
II. Selections
Psalm 130:3
If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
      Lord, who could stand?
Judges 8:27
Gideon made an ephod of [the gold] and put it in his town, in Ophrah; and all Israel prostituted themselves to it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family.
Acts 4:1-2
While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead.
John 1:46a
Nathanael said to [Philip], “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
III. Meditation: Who Could Stand?
If you should mark iniquities,
who could stand, O Lord?
Not I, not even for a day.
I find myself ensnared like Gideon,
annoyed like the critics of Jesus,
and as cynical as Nathanael.
Release me from the snares;
convert hostility to hope
and cynicism to faith.
Categories: CCbloggers