DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday November 20, 2005
Monday:
Luke 1 The Birth of John & Jesus
Read this orderly account of Jesus’ birth. Find Mary’s song to God and consider the wonderment of this miracle birth offering hope.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 25 Psalm of Thanksgiving
When finished reading, make your personal list of the wonderful things God has done for you.
Wednesday:
Isaiah 26 Song of Victory
Have you seen the majesty of the Lord in your life? What does it mean to await God’s victory?
Thursday:
Colossians 1- 2 Christ and Our Response
Christ takes the supreme position life and Paul is offering a grace filled vision of Jesus for all people but particularly for the young church in Colossae as they continue to seek God.
Friday:
Colossians 3- 4 The Christian Life
We read about putting on the life of Christ like putting on a garment of clothing. This passage offers instruction into the way of Christ Jesus. Does anything here surprise you or offend you?
Saturday:
Colossians 1:13-23 Jesus Christ Above All
Have you been rescued? Paul says so. He believes we have been transferred from the pit of darkness to the light of the kingdom. We find we have forgiveness and redemption in this new kingdom. What could be better? Do you know this love, this power to save?
If you do, then what is your response? The church will be receiving the pledges for 2006 this Sunday. I remind us all of God’s need to have all of our lives, not just our time, not just our energy, not just our money. A right response to God should be one of total offering. Everything is God’s and all in our possession should be offered in return. Along with Paul, we shall become servants of this gospel vs23.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Colossians 1:13-23
Sermon Title: “That’s Why We Sing”
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Daily Reading Leading to Sunday November 6, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday November 6, 2005
Monday:
Isaiah 30:1-18 Judah Shuns God
Judah, the Southern Kingdom, attempts to find security in the world through an alliance with Egypt But woops, Judah did not do a consult with God before attempting this alliance. God is not happy.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 35 A Vision of Zion Restored
This is a powerful vision of God’s glory restoring the exiled people with courage and hope.
Wednesday:
Isaiah 40-42 Announcement of God’s Coming
The scene is the council of heaven, the voices come to fulfill covenant and restore God’s people. We usually read this passage just before Christmas, see if you remember it.
Thursday:
Isaiah 45 God’s Charge to Cyrus
Read as the conversion of the nations unfolds.
Friday:
Philippians 4:4-13 God Helps Us
This wonderful passage is like a shield of faith. Think and spend time on things that are worthy of God. A passage to memorize is verse 13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Saturday:
Isaiah 41:1-13 Assurance From God
God declares sovereign power over the nations. Cyrus, King of Persia is dispatched from the East to return the exiled people to their promised homeland. God is first and last; the one who has chosen us. God offers a strong promise to strengthen and uphold God’s people. Funny thing, the more we learn about the nature of God, the more we are able to be who we were created to be. This passage appears to be about God, but is really about the restoration of God’s people. Don’t we all need more than a little restoration in our lives today as well? I think so. We each have to risk a little to gain a lot. What little bit is God asking of you this day? Remember Philippians.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Isaiah 41:1-13
Sermon Title: “A Whole New Ballgame”
Monday:
Isaiah 30:1-18 Judah Shuns God
Judah, the Southern Kingdom, attempts to find security in the world through an alliance with Egypt But woops, Judah did not do a consult with God before attempting this alliance. God is not happy.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 35 A Vision of Zion Restored
This is a powerful vision of God’s glory restoring the exiled people with courage and hope.
Wednesday:
Isaiah 40-42 Announcement of God’s Coming
The scene is the council of heaven, the voices come to fulfill covenant and restore God’s people. We usually read this passage just before Christmas, see if you remember it.
Thursday:
Isaiah 45 God’s Charge to Cyrus
Read as the conversion of the nations unfolds.
Friday:
Philippians 4:4-13 God Helps Us
This wonderful passage is like a shield of faith. Think and spend time on things that are worthy of God. A passage to memorize is verse 13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Saturday:
Isaiah 41:1-13 Assurance From God
God declares sovereign power over the nations. Cyrus, King of Persia is dispatched from the East to return the exiled people to their promised homeland. God is first and last; the one who has chosen us. God offers a strong promise to strengthen and uphold God’s people. Funny thing, the more we learn about the nature of God, the more we are able to be who we were created to be. This passage appears to be about God, but is really about the restoration of God’s people. Don’t we all need more than a little restoration in our lives today as well? I think so. We each have to risk a little to gain a lot. What little bit is God asking of you this day? Remember Philippians.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Isaiah 41:1-13
Sermon Title: “A Whole New Ballgame”
Thursday, October 27, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING LEADING TO SUNDAY October 30, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday October 30, 2005
Monday:
Isaiah 1 Lamentations for Israel
Once again we find a prophet beginning with a long lament for the people of God. Trouble seems to be the common starting place for renewal with God’s people. Still is today.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 6 Holy, Holy, Holy
A brief chapter focusing on a dream Isaiah had where God calls him to be a prophet. In the midst of the call God forgives sin in a new way.
Wednesday:
Isaiah 9 The Messiah King
This chapter shares prophetic news of the new King. This king will be the Messiah, the Christ.
Thursday:
Isaiah 11 More About the Messiah
Further vision of the new Messiah. From a stump which appears to be dead, a new sprout appears and will rise again and offer life to the world. A passage of hope for us all.
Friday:
John 6:48-69 The Bread of Life
Jesus speaks in teachings which inform his disciples that they are to become one with him by sharing his life. The way this will happen is through sharing in the sacrament of the Eucharist or Holy Communion. In this passage Jesus does not share how this is to occur, but Jesus is clear that this sharing must occur for life to be reality for the disciples.
Saturday:
Isaiah 6:1-8 God Calls Isaiah
When we look at our lives we must reconcile ourselves to how God must surely see us. We stand before God full of sin corrupted from our perfect created self. How can we ever “go home” again? What will it take for God to love us and offer us a place in the everlasting song? This dream from Isaiah offers a vision of our lives renewed by God’s love. At the end of all this all we can do is to offer praise to God.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8
Sermon Title: “Dreams, Visions, and More”
Monday:
Isaiah 1 Lamentations for Israel
Once again we find a prophet beginning with a long lament for the people of God. Trouble seems to be the common starting place for renewal with God’s people. Still is today.
Tuesday:
Isaiah 6 Holy, Holy, Holy
A brief chapter focusing on a dream Isaiah had where God calls him to be a prophet. In the midst of the call God forgives sin in a new way.
Wednesday:
Isaiah 9 The Messiah King
This chapter shares prophetic news of the new King. This king will be the Messiah, the Christ.
Thursday:
Isaiah 11 More About the Messiah
Further vision of the new Messiah. From a stump which appears to be dead, a new sprout appears and will rise again and offer life to the world. A passage of hope for us all.
Friday:
John 6:48-69 The Bread of Life
Jesus speaks in teachings which inform his disciples that they are to become one with him by sharing his life. The way this will happen is through sharing in the sacrament of the Eucharist or Holy Communion. In this passage Jesus does not share how this is to occur, but Jesus is clear that this sharing must occur for life to be reality for the disciples.
Saturday:
Isaiah 6:1-8 God Calls Isaiah
When we look at our lives we must reconcile ourselves to how God must surely see us. We stand before God full of sin corrupted from our perfect created self. How can we ever “go home” again? What will it take for God to love us and offer us a place in the everlasting song? This dream from Isaiah offers a vision of our lives renewed by God’s love. At the end of all this all we can do is to offer praise to God.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8
Sermon Title: “Dreams, Visions, and More”
Monday, October 17, 2005
Scriptures Leading to Sunday October 23, 2005
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS LEADING TO Sunday October 23, 2005
Monday:
Jeremiah 11-13 The Covenant Crumbles
This passage tells about the state of the covenant and finds Jeremiah and God both lamenting. It finishes with some interesting little exile stories.
Tuesday:
Jeremiah 17:5-18 Trust in God
The prophet offers praise of God along with a pretty good picture of the heart of humanity.
Wednesday:
Jeremiah 18:1-6 The Potter’s House
An allegory of the potter taking a lump of clay and forming a new vessel offers a vision of the new covenant which we will be reading this week.
Thursday:
Jeremiah 29, 31 God Loves Us
Right here are the two reasons why I love to read Jeremiah. These two chapters offer peace for our daily life. I feel like God is caring for us. I feel it!
Friday:
Luke 14:15-35 Dinner is Served
Jesus tells a story about a great dinner where lots of folks are invited but everyone has a reason why they will not attend. Jesus turns this story back on to the guests gathered around that table, and ours. The passage continues on to share the conditions of discipleship. This is not an easy passage and sounds almost harsh. We must hear and respond.
Saturday:
Jeremiah 31:27-34 The New Covenant
God offers by way of the prophet Jeremiah a vision of a new covenant. The old covenant was based on the law and keeping the law. This new covenant is based in grace and accepting God loving grace into our lives. Big difference in game plans, big difference in the outcome. One very interesting thing is that our lives have come nicely equipped for this new covenant plan of salvation by God’s grace. God understands how we are wired. This plan seems perfect. But then; perfect is as perfect does.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:27-34
Sermon Title: “Nicely Equipped”
Monday:
Jeremiah 11-13 The Covenant Crumbles
This passage tells about the state of the covenant and finds Jeremiah and God both lamenting. It finishes with some interesting little exile stories.
Tuesday:
Jeremiah 17:5-18 Trust in God
The prophet offers praise of God along with a pretty good picture of the heart of humanity.
Wednesday:
Jeremiah 18:1-6 The Potter’s House
An allegory of the potter taking a lump of clay and forming a new vessel offers a vision of the new covenant which we will be reading this week.
Thursday:
Jeremiah 29, 31 God Loves Us
Right here are the two reasons why I love to read Jeremiah. These two chapters offer peace for our daily life. I feel like God is caring for us. I feel it!
Friday:
Luke 14:15-35 Dinner is Served
Jesus tells a story about a great dinner where lots of folks are invited but everyone has a reason why they will not attend. Jesus turns this story back on to the guests gathered around that table, and ours. The passage continues on to share the conditions of discipleship. This is not an easy passage and sounds almost harsh. We must hear and respond.
Saturday:
Jeremiah 31:27-34 The New Covenant
God offers by way of the prophet Jeremiah a vision of a new covenant. The old covenant was based on the law and keeping the law. This new covenant is based in grace and accepting God loving grace into our lives. Big difference in game plans, big difference in the outcome. One very interesting thing is that our lives have come nicely equipped for this new covenant plan of salvation by God’s grace. God understands how we are wired. This plan seems perfect. But then; perfect is as perfect does.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: Jeremiah 31:27-34
Sermon Title: “Nicely Equipped”
Monday, October 10, 2005
DAILY READINGS for Sunday October 16, 2005
Monday:
Ezra 1-10 The Return from Exile
Have fun, read the whole book of Ezra today. The return from exile is a big piece of the story puzzle.
Tuesday:
Nehemiah 8 Reading & Celebrating the Law
This passage is a continuation of the Ezra story.
Wednesday:
Ecclesiastes 3 A Season For Everything
Enjoy this familiar passage. Sing the tune!
Thursday:
Proverbs 8-13 Collected Wisdom
Ever wonder what wisdom would look like? Here is a good start. Note that the Hebrew word for wisdom, “Sophia,” is feminine. I’m not surprised.
Friday:
1 Corinthians 1-3 Spiritual Wisdom in Christ
After reading about wisdom in the Old Testament all week enjoy this look at New Testament wisdom from the Apostle Paul. Our life in Christ Jesus is the very core of the life of wisdom. I believe the task of the church is to develop this life of wisdom in ourselves and our neighbors. True wisdom is always extremely attractive to the world around us. It is also rare, even in the church. Ouch!
Saturday:
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Wisdom of God
Bounce this passage of what is wise verses what is foolish off the return of the exiles and their wisdom in following God’s plan for their lives found in the Ezra and Nehemiah passages. Understanding the path of solid footing seems the first step toward a satisfying and fulfilled life. Wisdom is seeing and traveling that path. Notice the place humbleness and being vulnerably authentic play in this road to wholeness. Some things I highly valued, I now find unnecessary to carry on the journey of life. In whose name do you find your solid footing? Try coming home with new eyes and a new Spirit this week. Seek and hold faithfully the promises of God in your life.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Sermon Title: “Finding Solid Footing”
Ezra 1-10 The Return from Exile
Have fun, read the whole book of Ezra today. The return from exile is a big piece of the story puzzle.
Tuesday:
Nehemiah 8 Reading & Celebrating the Law
This passage is a continuation of the Ezra story.
Wednesday:
Ecclesiastes 3 A Season For Everything
Enjoy this familiar passage. Sing the tune!
Thursday:
Proverbs 8-13 Collected Wisdom
Ever wonder what wisdom would look like? Here is a good start. Note that the Hebrew word for wisdom, “Sophia,” is feminine. I’m not surprised.
Friday:
1 Corinthians 1-3 Spiritual Wisdom in Christ
After reading about wisdom in the Old Testament all week enjoy this look at New Testament wisdom from the Apostle Paul. Our life in Christ Jesus is the very core of the life of wisdom. I believe the task of the church is to develop this life of wisdom in ourselves and our neighbors. True wisdom is always extremely attractive to the world around us. It is also rare, even in the church. Ouch!
Saturday:
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Wisdom of God
Bounce this passage of what is wise verses what is foolish off the return of the exiles and their wisdom in following God’s plan for their lives found in the Ezra and Nehemiah passages. Understanding the path of solid footing seems the first step toward a satisfying and fulfilled life. Wisdom is seeing and traveling that path. Notice the place humbleness and being vulnerably authentic play in this road to wholeness. Some things I highly valued, I now find unnecessary to carry on the journey of life. In whose name do you find your solid footing? Try coming home with new eyes and a new Spirit this week. Seek and hold faithfully the promises of God in your life.
Sunday: Reflect and Worship
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Sermon Title: “Finding Solid Footing”
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