Monday:
Psalm 139 Israel Falls Into Exile
A familiar and very readable Psalm offering God’s presence and promise in clear language. A Psalm for all seasons; so to speak.
Tuesday:
Psalms 84 God’s Home
As all Psalms are both simple and complex, so this Psalm finds it’s mark in our lives. How many familiar hymns and new worship songs find their inspiration from this Psalm? Lots and lots.
Wednesday:
Psalms 121 Protection
This has become my favorite Psalm since moving to Council Bluffs and living in the Loss Hills. The theme of protection feels timely.
Thursday:
Psalm 100 Thanksgiving
Make a joyful noise, worship the Lord with gladness, and commit this Psalm to memory.
Friday:
2 Corinthians 4:1-18 Treasure in Clay Jars
Power belongs to God. Power belongs to God. Power belongs to God. By the way did I mention: Power belongs to God!
Saturday:
Psalm 91 God’s Protection & Grace
When all is said and done we believe God will offer grace and protection to God’s people. We know this love through our King, Jesus Christ. For the last Seven weeks we have studied the human kings in the Old Testament. We have seen the people ask for a king, the prophets sigh in weariness, and God allowing a human king to rule. We have followed as the kings all failed to offer the security and hope for which the people were yearning. Enter this wonderful Psalm offering a new vision for living in the shadow of God’s love and protection. Do you know the hymn, “On Eagles Wings.”
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Psalm 91
Sermon Title: “Life in the Shadows”
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
SCRIPTURE FOR Sunday September 4, 2005
Monday:
2 Kings 17-18 Israel Falls Into Exile
The Northern Kingdom, Israel, fails and is taken into exile by the Assyrians, who then return and resettle the land with their own people.
Tuesday:
2 Kings 19-20 King Hezekiah
Read of King Hezekiah of the Southern Kingdom after he finds out about all that has taken place in the Northern Kingdom. And God answers the prayers of the King to save Jerusalem, for now.
Wednesday:
2 Kings 25 Judah & Jerusalem Fall
Love is not the theme of the day as we read about the end of the Southern Kingdom. The end is surely in sight for God’s chosen people.
Thursday:
2 Chronicles 36:15-23 The Exiles Go Home
Jerusalem has fallen and all is lost. Then God does a new thing. God stirs up the spirit of Cyrus the King of Persia and he send the exiles home.
Friday:
John 15:1-27 The New Commandment
Read the words of Jesus offering a new way to live. He offers this new commandment , “that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Saturday:
Psalm 137:1-9 Lament Over Jerusalem
The plan of a human King to rule over God’s chosen people has now become past tense. God has given the people what they thought they wanted and things did not work out for the best. The land has been conquered and the best of the people taken into exile to a foreign land. Psalm 137 offers a passionate lament over the situation of having so much and losing it all. However, read carefully as there is a sense of hope sprinkled in the midst of the tears. God always seems to have another plan in the wings, another means to wholeness, another path of grace and reconciliation. What really did happen to Humpty Dumpty after all was said and done?
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Psalm 137:1-9
Sermon Title: “Humpty Dumpty Had a Great …”
2 Kings 17-18 Israel Falls Into Exile
The Northern Kingdom, Israel, fails and is taken into exile by the Assyrians, who then return and resettle the land with their own people.
Tuesday:
2 Kings 19-20 King Hezekiah
Read of King Hezekiah of the Southern Kingdom after he finds out about all that has taken place in the Northern Kingdom. And God answers the prayers of the King to save Jerusalem, for now.
Wednesday:
2 Kings 25 Judah & Jerusalem Fall
Love is not the theme of the day as we read about the end of the Southern Kingdom. The end is surely in sight for God’s chosen people.
Thursday:
2 Chronicles 36:15-23 The Exiles Go Home
Jerusalem has fallen and all is lost. Then God does a new thing. God stirs up the spirit of Cyrus the King of Persia and he send the exiles home.
Friday:
John 15:1-27 The New Commandment
Read the words of Jesus offering a new way to live. He offers this new commandment , “that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Saturday:
Psalm 137:1-9 Lament Over Jerusalem
The plan of a human King to rule over God’s chosen people has now become past tense. God has given the people what they thought they wanted and things did not work out for the best. The land has been conquered and the best of the people taken into exile to a foreign land. Psalm 137 offers a passionate lament over the situation of having so much and losing it all. However, read carefully as there is a sense of hope sprinkled in the midst of the tears. God always seems to have another plan in the wings, another means to wholeness, another path of grace and reconciliation. What really did happen to Humpty Dumpty after all was said and done?
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Psalm 137:1-9
Sermon Title: “Humpty Dumpty Had a Great …”
Thursday, August 11, 2005
SCRIPTURE STUDY LEADING TO SUNDAY August 21, 2005
Monday: 1 Samuel 16 David Anointed as King
There seem to be several stories of David becoming known in the kingdom. This passage has two. The first is a search through the seven sons of Jesse for the chosen one. David is not even in attendance because he is young and out watching the sheep. Yet he is the one and Samuel anoints him in the presence of his brothers. Think about that happy family scene! The second is where I will be preaching and concerns Saul who is now a little scary as the Spirit of the Lord has departed from him. David is called upon to calm Saul by playing on the Lyre and making music. Saul loves David and needs him, but secretly wants to kill him for he represents a new King. Talk about job security.
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 17 David & Goliath
This section of the story is another introduction to David through the telling of the story of David defeating the giant Goliath. Read and enjoy. Consider what your five smooth stones might be today.
Wednesday: 1 Samuel 18-19 Friendship of David and Jonathan
The history of David’s relationship with Saul and Jonathan are recorded so that we may understand David’s Kingship from a grander perspective. Notice the covenant Jonathan makes with David. See how Saul turns from David and even attempts to murder him, only to come back later and offer his daughters in marriage in order to trap David. Are we more like Saul or more like David in our dealings and relationships?
Thursday: 1 Samuel 20-21 The Friendship Continues
This is where the friendship really is tested. Saul does not like Jonathan’s relationship with David. However, the two get together in secret and honor one another. David is later found to be gathering the holy bread from the priest and using it for food for himself and his men. David has fear and this passage does not reflect the fearless warrior who defeated the giant goliath in battle.
Friday: 1 Samuel 31 The Death and Burial of Saul
Read here about the end of the great King Saul and how death comes to him in the final moments. Remember back to the readings of Samuel anointing Saul in the first moments of his reign. Consider how power has corrupted Saul. How would you and I act differently if offered the king of position and power Saul was offered?
Saturday: 2 Timothy 2:1-15 Standing Strong in Grace
We are pleased to read Paul sharing with young Timothy about the ways which he should attempt to live and lead in the grace of Christ Jesus. Outstanding!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:14-23
Sermon Title: “One of Those Love / Hate Relationships”
There seem to be several stories of David becoming known in the kingdom. This passage has two. The first is a search through the seven sons of Jesse for the chosen one. David is not even in attendance because he is young and out watching the sheep. Yet he is the one and Samuel anoints him in the presence of his brothers. Think about that happy family scene! The second is where I will be preaching and concerns Saul who is now a little scary as the Spirit of the Lord has departed from him. David is called upon to calm Saul by playing on the Lyre and making music. Saul loves David and needs him, but secretly wants to kill him for he represents a new King. Talk about job security.
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 17 David & Goliath
This section of the story is another introduction to David through the telling of the story of David defeating the giant Goliath. Read and enjoy. Consider what your five smooth stones might be today.
Wednesday: 1 Samuel 18-19 Friendship of David and Jonathan
The history of David’s relationship with Saul and Jonathan are recorded so that we may understand David’s Kingship from a grander perspective. Notice the covenant Jonathan makes with David. See how Saul turns from David and even attempts to murder him, only to come back later and offer his daughters in marriage in order to trap David. Are we more like Saul or more like David in our dealings and relationships?
Thursday: 1 Samuel 20-21 The Friendship Continues
This is where the friendship really is tested. Saul does not like Jonathan’s relationship with David. However, the two get together in secret and honor one another. David is later found to be gathering the holy bread from the priest and using it for food for himself and his men. David has fear and this passage does not reflect the fearless warrior who defeated the giant goliath in battle.
Friday: 1 Samuel 31 The Death and Burial of Saul
Read here about the end of the great King Saul and how death comes to him in the final moments. Remember back to the readings of Samuel anointing Saul in the first moments of his reign. Consider how power has corrupted Saul. How would you and I act differently if offered the king of position and power Saul was offered?
Saturday: 2 Timothy 2:1-15 Standing Strong in Grace
We are pleased to read Paul sharing with young Timothy about the ways which he should attempt to live and lead in the grace of Christ Jesus. Outstanding!
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:14-23
Sermon Title: “One of Those Love / Hate Relationships”
Thursday, August 04, 2005
SCRIPTURE STUDY LEADING TO SUNDAY August 14, 2005
Monday: Acts 13 Paul Preaches in Cyprus About Saul
Ok, Paul’s sermon is not exactly about Saul, but it does include king Saul and offers an overview of Saul’s place in the history. I also chose this passage because the Apostle Paul (New Testament) is also called Saul before his conversion experience. So, there is a King Saul in the Old Testament and a guy named Saul who later became Apostle Paul in the New Testament. I just wanted you to know before we get too far into this weeks readings.
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 8-9 The People Ask For A King
“When Samuel became old,” is where this passage starts. Samuel was almost a king. He almost acted like a king and the people respected him. He was however, not a king and the people wanted a king. God chose Saul to be the king and Samuel offers Saul the kingdom in secret.
Wednesday: 1 Samuel 10-11 Saul is Called By God
“Long live the King,” the people shouted. Samuel finishes offering Saul the kingdom. Saul goes a little nuts. I really like verse nine where it reads, “God gave him (Saul) another heart.” Two hearts are better than one. Or does this mean that his heart was replaced with a different heart at this point? I think so. I will be preaching Sunday from today’s readings. Saul is so very interesting and his life can be like a mirror for us if we are willing to look closely.
Thursday: 1 Samuel 12-13 Samuel Says Goodbye & Saul Finds Trouble
This passage has Samuel offering the story of God’s salvation which has come to the people over and over. Saul begins to reign and makes war with the nasty old Philistines. It seems Saul was guilty of sin and God has something to say about Saul’s lack of patience.
Friday: 1 Samuel 14-15 The War and Saul is Rejected Again
The war with the Philistines continues. Saul’s son Jonathan takes the lead and even old Samuel offers a victory to Saul. However, Saul cannot follow directions and has to learn the hard way that to obey God is better than a sacrifice to God. We find God instructing Saul to murder and Amalekites as problematic at best. And so we must deal with our differences in culture and metaphoric symbolism from Biblical times. The powerful message which remains clear however is a message of faithfulness to the Word of God.
Saturday: 1 Peter 2:1-10 The Lord Speaks to Samuel
We are instructed with pure spiritual milk. We are like infants feeding on the gospel which will surely offer strength and health for the days ahead. I once preached a sermon on this passage titled, “Free Beer Tomorrow.” So much of what the world offers under-whelms us. Finally there is a rock; a worthy King
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:17-24
Sermon Title: “It’s All About Saul”
Ok, Paul’s sermon is not exactly about Saul, but it does include king Saul and offers an overview of Saul’s place in the history. I also chose this passage because the Apostle Paul (New Testament) is also called Saul before his conversion experience. So, there is a King Saul in the Old Testament and a guy named Saul who later became Apostle Paul in the New Testament. I just wanted you to know before we get too far into this weeks readings.
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 8-9 The People Ask For A King
“When Samuel became old,” is where this passage starts. Samuel was almost a king. He almost acted like a king and the people respected him. He was however, not a king and the people wanted a king. God chose Saul to be the king and Samuel offers Saul the kingdom in secret.
Wednesday: 1 Samuel 10-11 Saul is Called By God
“Long live the King,” the people shouted. Samuel finishes offering Saul the kingdom. Saul goes a little nuts. I really like verse nine where it reads, “God gave him (Saul) another heart.” Two hearts are better than one. Or does this mean that his heart was replaced with a different heart at this point? I think so. I will be preaching Sunday from today’s readings. Saul is so very interesting and his life can be like a mirror for us if we are willing to look closely.
Thursday: 1 Samuel 12-13 Samuel Says Goodbye & Saul Finds Trouble
This passage has Samuel offering the story of God’s salvation which has come to the people over and over. Saul begins to reign and makes war with the nasty old Philistines. It seems Saul was guilty of sin and God has something to say about Saul’s lack of patience.
Friday: 1 Samuel 14-15 The War and Saul is Rejected Again
The war with the Philistines continues. Saul’s son Jonathan takes the lead and even old Samuel offers a victory to Saul. However, Saul cannot follow directions and has to learn the hard way that to obey God is better than a sacrifice to God. We find God instructing Saul to murder and Amalekites as problematic at best. And so we must deal with our differences in culture and metaphoric symbolism from Biblical times. The powerful message which remains clear however is a message of faithfulness to the Word of God.
Saturday: 1 Peter 2:1-10 The Lord Speaks to Samuel
We are instructed with pure spiritual milk. We are like infants feeding on the gospel which will surely offer strength and health for the days ahead. I once preached a sermon on this passage titled, “Free Beer Tomorrow.” So much of what the world offers under-whelms us. Finally there is a rock; a worthy King
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Sermon Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:17-24
Sermon Title: “It’s All About Saul”
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