Daily Scripture December 28, 2013

Psalm 89:1-4 I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. 3 You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, 4 ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.’”

Daily Scripture December 27, 2013

Matthew 1:24-25 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Daily Scripture December 26, 2013

Matthew 1:22-23 Now all of this took place so that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled: 23 Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, And they will call him, Emmanuel.(Emmanuel means “God with us.”)

Daily Scripture December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas! Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Daily Scripture December 24, 2013

Matthew 1:18-20 18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph, before they were married, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband was a righteous man. Because he didn’t want to humiliate her, he decided to call off their engagement quietly. 20 As he was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Daily Scripture December 23, 2013

Romans 1:5-7 Through him we have received God’s grace and our appointment to be apostles. This was to bring all Gentiles to faithful obedience for his name’s sake. 6 You who are called by Jesus Christ are also included among these Gentiles. 7 To those in Rome who are dearly loved by God and called to be God’s people. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Daily Scripture December 22, 2013

Romans 1:1-4 From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for God’s good news. 2-3 God promised this good news about his Son ahead of time through his prophets in the holy scriptures. His Son was descended from David. 4 He was publicly identified as God’s Son with power through his resurrection from the dead, which was based on the Spirit of holiness. This Son is Jesus Christ our Lord.

Daily Scripture December 21, 2013

Psalm 30:11-12 You changed my mourning into dancing. You took off my funeral clothes and dressed me up in joy 12 so that my whole being might sing praises to you and never stop. Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Daily Scripture December 20, 2013

Psalm 30:9-10 “What is to be gained by my spilled blood, by my going down into the pit? Does dust thank you? Does it proclaim your faithfulness? 10 Lord, listen and have mercy on me! Lord, be my helper!”

Daily Scripture December 19, 2013

Psalm 30:6-8 When I was comfortable, I said, “I will never stumble.” 7 Because it pleased you, Lord, you made me a strong mountain. But then you hid your presence. I was terrified. 8 I cried out to you, Lord. I begged my Lord for mercy:

Daily Scripture December 18, 2013

Psalm 30:1-5 I exalt you, Lord, because you pulled me up; you didn’t let my enemies celebrate over me. 2 Lord, my God, I cried out to you for help, and you healed me. 3 Lord, you brought me up from the grave, brought me back to life from among those going down to the pit. 4 You who are faithful to the Lord, sing praises to him; give thanks to his holy name! 5 His anger lasts for only a second, but his favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay all night, but by morning, joy!

Daily Scripture December 17, 2013

Isaiah 35:8-10 A highway will be there. It will be called The Holy Way. The unclean won’t travel on it, but it will be for those walking on that way. Even fools won’t get lost on it; 9 no lion will be there, and no predator will go up on it. None of these will be there; only the redeemed will walk on it. 10 The Lord’s ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing, with everlasting joy upon their heads. Happiness and joy will overwhelm them; grief and groaning will flee away.

Daily Scripture December 16, 2013

Isaiah 35:5-7 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be cleared. 6 Then the lame will leap like the deer, and the tongue of the speechless will sing. Waters will spring up in the desert, and streams in the wilderness. 7 The burning sand will become a pool, and the thirsty ground, fountains of water. The jackals’ habitat, a pasture; grass will become reeds and rushes

Daily Scripture December 15, 2013

Isaiah 35:1-4 The desert and the dry land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom like the crocus. 2 They will burst into bloom, and rejoice with joy and singing. They will receive the glory of Lebanon, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the Lord’s glory, the splendor of our God. 3 Strengthen the weak hands, and support the unsteady knees. 4 Say to those who are panicking: “Be strong! Don’t fear! Here’s your God, coming with vengeance; with divine retribution God will come to save you.”

Daily Scripture December 14, 2013

Isaiah 11:7-9 The cow and the bear will graze. Their young will lie down together, and a lion will eat straw like an ox. 8 A nursing child will play over the snake’s hole; toddlers will reach right over the serpent’s den. 9 They won’t harm or destroy anywhere on my holy mountain. The earth will surely be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, just as the water covers the sea.

Daily Scripture December 13, 2013

Isaiah 11:5-6 Righteousness will be the belt around his hips, and faithfulness the belt around his waist. 6 The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat; the calf and the young lion will feed together, and a little child will lead them.

Daily Scripture December 12, 2013

Isaiah 11:3-4 He will delight in fearing the Lord. He won’t judge by appearances, nor decide by hearsay. 4 He will judge the needy with righteousness, and decide with equity for those who suffer in the land. He will strike the violent[a] with the rod of his mouth; by the breath of his lips he will kill the wicked.

Daily Scripture December 11, 2013

Isaiah 11:1-2 A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots. 2 The Lord’s spirit will rest upon him, a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of planning and strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.

Daily Scripture December 10, 2013

Matthew 3:11 11 I baptize with water those of you who have changed your hearts and lives. The one who is coming after me is stronger than I am. I’m not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Daily Scripture December 9, 2013

Matthew 3:7-10 7 Many Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized by John. He said to them, “You children of snakes! Who warned you to escape from the angry judgment that is coming soon? 8 Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives. 9 And don’t even think about saying to yourselves, Abraham is our father. I tell you that God is able to raise up Abraham’s children from these stones. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and tossed into the fire.

Daily Scripture December 8, 2013

Matthew 3:1-6 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the desert of Judea announcing, 2 “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” 3 He was the one of whom Isaiah the prophet spoke when he said: The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.” 4 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. 5 People from Jerusalem, throughout Judea, and all around the Jordan River came to him. 6 As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

Daily Scripture December 7, 2013

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 13 Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about people who have died so that you won’t mourn like others who don’t have any hope. 14 Since we believe that Jesus died and rose, so we also believe that God will bring with him those who have died in Jesus. 15 What we are saying is a message from the Lord: we who are alive and still around at the Lord’s coming definitely won’t go ahead of those who have died. 16 This is because the Lord himself will come down from heaven with the signal of a shout by the head angel and a blast on God’s trumpet. First, those who are dead in Christ will rise. 17 Then, we who are living and still around will be taken up together with them in the clouds to meet with the Lord in the air. That way we will always be with the Lord. 18 So encourage each other with these words.

Daily Scripture December 6, 2013

Psalm 122 I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let’s go to the Lord’s house!” 2 Now our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem! 3 Jerusalem is built like a city joined together in unity. 4 That is where the tribes go up— the Lord’s tribes! It is the law for Israel to give thanks there to the Lord’s name, 5 because the thrones of justice are there— the thrones of the house of David! 6 Pray that Jerusalem has peace: “Let those who love you have rest. 7 Let there be peace on your walls; let there be rest on your fortifications.” 8 For the sake of my family and friends, I say, “Peace be with you, Jerusalem.” 9 For the sake of the Lord our God’s house I will pray for your good.

Daily Scripture December 5, 2013

Colossians 3:12-17 12 Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. 14 And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 The peace of Christ must control your hearts—a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people. 16 The word of Christ must live in you richly. Teach and warn each other with all wisdom by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.

Daily Scripture December 4, 2013

Colossians 3:1-4 Therefore, if you were raised with Christ, look for the things that are above where Christ is sitting at God’s right side. 2 Think about the things above and not things on earth. 3 You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

Daily Scripture December 3, 2013

Hebrews 11:13-16 13 All of these people died in faith without receiving the promises, but they saw the promises from a distance and welcomed them. They confessed that they were strangers and immigrants on earth. 14 People who say this kind of thing make it clear that they are looking for a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking about the country that they had left, they would have had the opportunity to return to it. 16 But at this point in time, they are longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God isn’t ashamed to be called their God—he has prepared a city for them.

Daily Scripture December 2, 2013

Hebrews 11:1-3 Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see. 2 The elders in the past were approved because they showed faith. 3 By faith we understand that the universe has been created by a word from God so that the visible came into existence from the invisible.

Daily Scripture December 1, 2013

Isaiah 2:1-5 This is what Isaiah, Amoz’s son, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 In the days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of the mountains. It will be lifted above the hills; peoples will stream to it. 3 Many nations will go and say, “Come, let’s go up to the Lord’s mountain, to the house of Jacob’s God so that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in God’s paths.” Instruction will come from Zion; the Lord’s word from Jerusalem. 4 God will judge between the nations, and settle disputes of mighty nations. Then they will beat their swords into iron plows and their spears into pruning tools. Nation will not take up sword against nation; they will no longer learn how to make war. 5 Come, house of Jacob, let’s walk by the Lord’s light.

Daily Scripture November 30, 2013

Psalm 46:8-10 Come, see the Lord’s deeds, what devastation he has imposed on the earth— 9 bringing wars to an end in every corner of the world, breaking the bow and shattering the spear, burning chariots with fire. 10 “That’s enough! Now know that I am God! I am exalted among all nations; I am exalted throughout the world!

Daily Scripture November 29, 2013

Psalm 46:1-7 God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble. 2 That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart, when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea, 3 when its waters roar and rage, when the mountains shake because of its surging waves. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams gladden God’s city, the holiest dwelling of the Most High. 5 God is in that city. It will never crumble. God will help it when morning dawns. 6 Nations roar; kingdoms crumble. God utters his voice; the earth melts. 7 The Lord of heavenly forces is with us! The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah

Daily Scripture November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving! Luke 23:39-43 39 One of the criminals hanging next to Jesus insulted him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 Responding, the other criminal spoke harshly to him, “Don’t you fear God, seeing that you’ve also been sentenced to die? 41 We are rightly condemned, for we are receiving the appropriate sentence for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus replied, “I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise.”

Daily Scripture November 27, 2013

Luke 23:35-38 35 The people were standing around watching, but the leaders sneered at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself if he really is the Christ sent from God, the chosen one.” 36 The soldiers also mocked him. They came up to him, offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you really are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 Above his head was a notice of the formal charge against him. It read “This is the king of the Jews.”

Daily Scripture November 26, 2013

Luke 23:33-34 33 When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” They drew lots as a way of dividing up his clothing.

Daily Scripture November 25, 2013

Colossians 1:15-20 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the one who is first over all creation, 16 Because all things were created by him: both in the heavens and on the earth, the things that are visible and the things that are invisible. Whether they are thrones or powers, or rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him. 17 He existed before all things, and all things are held together in him. 18 He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the one who is firstborn from among the dead[b] so that he might occupy the first place in everything. 19 Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in him, 20 and he reconciled all things to himself through him— whether things on earth or in the heavens. He brought peace through the blood of his cross.

Daily Scripture November 24, 2013

Colossians 1:11-14 by being strengthened through his glorious might so that you endure everything and have patience; 12 and by giving thanks with joy to the Father. He made it so you could take part in the inheritance, in light granted to God’s holy people. 13 He rescued us from the control of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. 14 He set us free through the Son and forgave our sins.

Daily Scripture November 23, 2013

Colossians 3:2 Think about the things above and not things on earth.

Daily Scripture November 22, 2013

Proverbs 14:8 By their wisdom the prudent understand their way, but the stupidity of fools deceives them.

Daily Scripture November 21, 2013

Mark 8:34-38 After calling the crowd together with his disciples, Jesus said to them, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. 35 All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me and because of the good news will save them. 36 Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? 37 What will people give in exchange for their lives? 38 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this unfaithful and sinful generation, the Human One will be ashamed of that person when he comes in the Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Daily Scripture November 20, 2013

Romans 6:22-23 But now that you have been set free from sin and become slaves to God, you have the consequence of a holy life, and the outcome is eternal life. 23 The wages that sin pays are death, but God’s gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Daily Scripture November 19, 2013

2 Corinthians 5:1 We know that if the tent that we live in on earth is torn down, we have a building from God. It’s a house that isn’t handmade, which is eternal and located in heaven.

Daily Scripture November 18, 2013

James 4:14 14 You don’t really know about tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for only a short while before it vanishes.

Daily Scripture November 17, 2013

Psalms 23:6 Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the Lord’s house as long as I live.

Daily Scripture November 16, 2013

2 Corinthians 8:13-15 13 It isn’t that we want others to have financial ease and you financial difficulties, but it’s a matter of equality. 14 At the present moment, your surplus can fill their deficit so that in the future their surplus can fill your deficit. In this way there is equality. 15 As it is written, The one who gathered more didn’t have too much, and the one who gathered less didn’t have too little.

Daily Scripture November 15, 2013

2 Corinthians 8:8-10 8 I’m not giving an order, but by mentioning the commitment of others, I’m trying to prove the authenticity of your love also. 9 You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although he was rich, he became poor for our sakes, so that you could become rich through his poverty. 10 I’m giving you my opinion about this. It’s to your advantage to do this, since you not only started to do it last year but you wanted to do it too.

Daily Scripture November 14, 2013

2 Corinthians 8:6-7 6 As a result, we challenged Titus to finish this work of grace with you the way he had started it. 7 Be the best in this work of grace in the same way that you are the best in everything, such as faith, speech, knowledge, total commitment, and the love we inspired in you.

Daily Scripture November 13, 2013

2 Corinthians 8:3-5 I assure you that they gave what they could afford and even more than they could afford, and they did it voluntarily. 4 They urgently begged us for the privilege of sharing in this service for the saints. 5 They even exceeded our expectations, because they gave themselves to the Lord first and to us, consistent with God’s will.

Daily Scripture November 12, 2013

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 Brothers and sisters, we want to let you know about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia. 2 While they were being tested by many problems, their extra amount of happiness and their extreme poverty resulted in a surplus of rich generosity.

Daily Scripture November 11, 2013

Psalm 95:6-7 Come, let’s worship and bow down! Let’s kneel before the Lord, our maker! 7 He is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the sheep in his hands. If only you would listen to his voice right now!

Daily Scripture November 10, 2013

Psalm 95:1-5 Come, let’s sing out loud to the Lord! Let’s raise a joyful shout to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let’s come before him with thanks! Let’s shout songs of joy to him! 3 The Lord is a great God, the great king over all other gods. 4 The earth’s depths are in his hands; the mountain heights belong to him; 5 the sea, which he made, is his along with the dry ground, which his own hands formed.

Daily Scripture November 9, 2013

1 Corinthians 16:13 13 Stay awake, stand firm in your faith, be brave, be strong.

Consecration Prayer

The following prayer was written by Marv Eakes and Ronald Williams. It will be sung in the traditional services this Sunday. Reflect on these words as you pray about Consecration Sunday. I am here, Lord, I bow down with my humble offerings. Consecrate me as your own; I dedicate my life to you. Prayerfully I come, with my holy gifts, to be set apart for you, Lord, to be set apart for you. Set apart, set apart for you, Lord. What would you, Lord, have me give? I bring to you a caring heart. The gifts you give me, I shall use: My talent and my silver and gold. I’ll bring you my hands, I’ll reach out in Christian love, I’ll reach out in Christian love, I’ll pray for those without hope, I’ll search for those in need. What more can I share? What more can I bring? Please show me now, please show me now, please show me now, O Lord.

Daily Scripture November 8, 2013

2 Corinthians 8:12-15 12 A gift is appreciated because of what a person can afford, not because of what that person can’t afford, if it’s apparent that it’s done willingly. 13 It isn’t that we want others to have financial ease and you financial difficulties, but it’s a matter of equality. 14 At the present moment, your surplus can fill their deficit so that in the future their surplus can fill your deficit. In this way there is equality. 15 As it is written, The one who gathered more didn’t have too much, and the one who gathered less didn’t have too little.

Daily Scripture November 7, 2013

2 Corinthians 8:10-11 10 I’m giving you my opinion about this. It’s to your advantage to do this, since you not only started to do it last year but you wanted to do it too. 11 Now finish the job as well so that you finish it with as much enthusiasm as you started, given what you can afford.

Daily Scripture November 6, 2013

2 Corinthians 8:7-9 7 Be the best in this work of grace in the same way that you are the best in everything, such as faith, speech, knowledge, total commitment, and the love we inspired in you. 8 I’m not giving an order, but by mentioning the commitment of others, I’m trying to prove the authenticity of your love also. 9 You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although he was rich, he became poor for our sakes, so that you could become rich through his poverty.

Daily Scripture November 5, 2013

2 Corinthians 8:1-6 Brothers and sisters, we want to let you know about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia. 2 While they were being tested by many problems, their extra amount of happiness and their extreme poverty resulted in a surplus of rich generosity. 3 I assure you that they gave what they could afford and even more than they could afford, and they did it voluntarily. 4 They urgently begged us for the privilege of sharing in this service for the saints. 5 They even exceeded our expectations, because they gave themselves to the Lord first and to us, consistent with God’s will. 6 As a result, we challenged Titus to finish this work of grace with you the way he had started it.

Daily Scripture November 4, 2013

2 Corinthians 9:9-11 9 As it is written, He scattered everywhere; he gave to the needy; his righteousness remains forever. 10 The one who supplies seed for planting and bread for eating will supply and multiply your seed and will increase your crop, which is righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way. Such generosity produces thanksgiving to God through us.

Daily Scripture November 3, 2013

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 6 What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous crop. 7 Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver. 8 God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work.

Daily Scripture November 2, 2013

John 14:27-31 27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid. 28 You have heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away and returning to you.’ If you loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than me. 29 I have told you before it happens so that when it happens you will believe. 30 I won’t say much more to you because this world’s ruler is coming. He has nothing on me. 31 Rather, he comes so that the world will know that I love the Father and do just as the Father has commanded me. Get up. We’re leaving this place.

Daily Scripture November 1, 2013

John 14:15-17 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 I will ask the Father, and he will send another Companion, who will be with you forever. 17 This Companion is the Spirit of Truth, whom the world can’t receive because it neither sees him nor recognizes him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be with you.

Daily Scripture October 31, 2013

John 14:1-7 “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. 2 My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? 3 When I go to prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too. 4 You know the way to the place I’m going.” 5 Thomas asked, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you have really known me, you will also know the Father. From now on you know him and have seen him.”

Daily Scripture October 30, 2013

Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing. 2 He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters; 3 he keeps me alive. He guides me in proper paths for the sake of his good name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff— they protect me. 5 You set a table for me right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil; my cup is so full it spills over! 6 Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the Lord’s house as long as I live.

Daily Scripture October 29, 2013

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 18 All of these new things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and who gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 In other words, God was reconciling the world to himself through Christ, by not counting people’s sins against them. He has trusted us with this message of reconciliation.

Daily Scripture October 28, 2013

John 15:16-17 16 You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you could go and produce fruit and so that your fruit could last. As a result, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. 17 I give you these commandments so that you can love each other.

Daily Scripture October 27, 2013

John 15:12-15 12 This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I don’t call you servants any longer, because servants don’t know what their master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because everything I heard from my Father I have made known to you.

Daily Scripture October 26, 2013

Psalm 119:103-104 Your word is so pleasing to my taste buds— it’s sweeter than honey in my mouth! 104 I’m studying your precepts— that’s why I hate every false path.

Daily Scripture October 25, 2013

Psalm 119:100-102 I have more understanding than the elders because I guard your precepts. 101 I haven’t set my feet on any evil path so I can make sure to keep your word. 102 I haven’t deviated from any of your rules because you are the one who has taught me.

Daily Scripture October 24, 2013

Psalm 119:97-99 I love your Instruction! I think about it constantly. 98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies because it is always with me. 99 I have greater insight than all my teachers because I contemplate your laws.

Daily Scripture October 23, 2013

Luke 18:1-8 Jesus was telling them a parable about their need to pray continuously and not to be discouraged. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him, asking, ‘Give me justice in this case against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused but finally said to himself, I don’t fear God or respect people, 5 but I will give this widow justice because she keeps bothering me. Otherwise, there will be no end to her coming here and embarrassing me.” 6 The Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 Won’t God provide justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he be slow to help them? 8 I tell you, he will give them justice quickly. But when the Human One[a] comes, will he find faithfulness on earth?”

Daily Scripture October 22, 2013

Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names, 10 so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father

Daily Scripture October 21, 2013

Philippians 2:5-8 Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: 6 Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. 7 But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Daily Scripture October 20, 2013

Philippians 2:1-4 Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, 2 complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. 3 Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. 4 Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.

Daily Scripture October 19, 2013

Colossians 3:1-4 Therefore, if you were raised with Christ, look for the things that are above where Christ is sitting at God’s right side. 2 Think about the things above and not things on earth. 3 You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

Daily Scripture October 18, 2013

Colossians 1:12-14 12 and by giving thanks with joy to the Father. He made it so you could take part in the inheritance, in light granted to God’s holy people. 13 He rescued us from the control of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. 14 He set us free through the Son and forgave our sins

Daily Scripture October 17, 2013

Colossians 1:9-11 9 Because of this, since the day we heard about you, we haven’t stopped praying for you and asking for you to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, with all wisdom and spiritual understanding. 10 We’re praying this so that you can live lives that are worthy of the Lord and pleasing to him in every way: by producing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God; 11 by being strengthened through his glorious might so that you endure everything and have patience;

Daily Scripture October 16, 2013

Colossians 1:3-5 3 We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. 4 We’ve done this since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all God’s people. 5 You have this faith and love because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You previously heard about this hope through the true message, the good news,

Daily Scripture October 15, 2013

Romans 12:19-21 19 Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord. 20 Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. 21 Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.

Daily Scripture October 14, 2013

Romans 12:14-18 14 Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. 16 Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart. 17 Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good. 18 If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.

Daily Scripture October 13, 2013

Romans 12:9-16 9 Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. 10 Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. 11 Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! 12 Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. 14 Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. 16 Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart.

Daily Scripture October 12, 2013

Galatians 2:20 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live in my body, I live by faith, indeed, by the faithfulness of God’s Son, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Daily Scripture October 11, 2013

1 John 4:7-12 7 Dear friends, let’s love each other, because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God. 8 The person who doesn’t love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how the love of God is revealed to us: God has sent his only Son into the world so that we can live through him. 10 This is love: it is not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son as the sacrifice that deals with our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us this way, we also ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. If we love each other, God remains in us and his love is made perfect in us.

Daily Scripture October 10, 2013

Ephesians 2:8-10 8 You are saved by God’s grace because of your faith. This salvation is God’s gift. It’s not something you possessed. 9 It’s not something you did that you can be proud of. 10 Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives.

Daily Scripture October 9, 2013

1 Peter 2:9 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own possession. You have become this people so that you may speak of the wonderful acts of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light.

Daily Scripture October 8, 2013

Matthew 11:2-5 2 Now when John heard in prison about the things the Christ was doing, he sent word by his disciples to Jesus, asking, 3 “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” 4 Jesus responded, “Go, report to John what you hear and see. 5 Those who were blind are able to see. Those who were crippled are walking. People with skin diseases are cleansed. Those who were deaf now hear. Those who were dead are raised up. The poor have good news proclaimed to them.

Daily Scripture October 7, 2013

Matthew 26:26 26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take and eat. This is my body.”

Daily Scripture October 6, 2013

Matthew 14:18-21 18 He said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed them and broke the loaves apart and gave them to his disciples. Then the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 Everyone ate until they were full, and they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers. 21 About five thousand men plus women and children had eaten.

Daily Scripture October 5, 2013

Psalm 91:11-16 Because he will order his messengers to help you, to protect you wherever you go. 12 They will carry you with their own hands so you don’t bruise your foot on a stone. 13 You’ll march on top of lions and vipers; you’ll trample young lions and serpents underfoot. 14 God says, “Because you are devoted to me, I’ll rescue you. I’ll protect you because you know my name. 15 Whenever you cry out to me, I’ll answer. I’ll be with you in troubling times. I’ll save you and glorify you. 16 I’ll fill you full with old age. I’ll show you my salvation.”

Daily Scripture October 4, 2013

Psalm 91:8-10 Just look with your eyes, and you will see the wicked punished. 9 Because you’ve made the Lord my refuge, the Most High, your place of residence— 10 no evil will happen to you; no disease will come close to your tent.

Daily Scripture October 3, 2013

Psalm 91:5-7 Don’t be afraid of terrors at night, arrows that fly in daylight, 6 or sickness that prowls in the dark, destruction that ravages at noontime. 7 Even if one thousand people fall dead next to you, ten thousand right beside you— it won’t happen to you.

Daily Scripture October 2, 2013

Psalm 91:1-4 Living in the Most High’s shelter, camping in the Almighty’s[a] shade, 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God—the one I trust!” 3 God will save you from the hunter’s trap and from deadly sickness. 4 God will protect you with his pinions; you’ll find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness is a protective shield.

Daily Scripture October 1, 203

Luke 16:27-31 27 “The rich man said, ‘Then I beg you, Father, send Lazarus to my father’s house. 28 I have five brothers. He needs to warn them so that they don’t come to this place of agony.’ 29 Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets. They must listen to them.’ 30 The rich man said, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will change their hearts and lives.’ 31 Abraham said, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.’”

Daily Scripture September 30, 2013

Luke 16:25-26 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received good things, whereas Lazarus received terrible things. Now Lazarus is being comforted and you are in great pain. 26 Moreover, a great crevasse has been fixed between us and you. Those who wish to cross over from here to you cannot. Neither can anyone cross from there to us.’

Daily Scripture Septembe 29, 2013

Luke 16:19-24 19 “There was a certain rich man who clothed himself in purple and fine linen, and who feasted luxuriously every day. 20 At his gate lay a certain poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 Lazarus longed to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Instead, dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 “The poor man died and was carried by angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 While being tormented in the place of the dead, he looked up and saw Abraham at a distance with Lazarus at his side. 24 He shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I’m suffering in this flame.’

Daily Scripture September 28, 2013

Romans 8:15-21 15 You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s children. 17 But if we are children, we are also heirs. We are God’s heirs and fellow heirs with Christ, if we really suffer with him so that we can also be glorified with him. 18 I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 The whole creation waits breathless with anticipation for the revelation of God’s sons and daughters. 20 Creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice—it was the choice of the one who subjected it—but in the hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from slavery to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of God’s children.

Daily Scriptre September 27, 2013

Hebrews 1:5-9 After all, when did God ever say to any of the angels: You are my Son. Today I have become your Father? Or, even, I will be his Father, and he will be my Son? 6 But then, when he brought his firstborn into the world, he said, All of God’s angels must worship him. 7 He talks about the angels: He’s the one who uses the spirits for his messengers and who uses flames of fire as ministers. 8 But he says to his Son, God, your throne is forever and your kingdom’s scepter is a rod of justice. 9 You loved righteousness and hated lawless behavior. That is why God, your God, has anointed you with oil instead of your companions.

Daily Scripture September 26, 2013

Hebrews 1:1-4 In the past, God spoke through the prophets to our ancestors in many times and many ways. 2 In these final days, though, he spoke to us through a Son. God made his Son the heir of everything and created the world through him. 3 The Son is the light of God’s glory and the imprint of God’s being. He maintains everything with his powerful message. After he carried out the cleansing of people from their sins, he sat down at the right side of the highest majesty. 4 And the Son became so much greater than the other messengers, such as angels, that he received a more important title than theirs.

Daily Scripture September 25, 2013

Jeremiah 31:31-34 31 The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. 32 It won’t be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant with me even though I was their husband, declares the Lord. 33 No, this is the covenant that I will make with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my Instructions within them and engrave them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 They will no longer need to teach each other to say, “Know the Lord!” because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord; for I will forgive their wrongdoing and never again remember their sins.

Daily Scripture September 24, 2013

Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 18 No healing, only grief; my heart is broken. 19 Listen to the weeping of my people all across the land: “Isn’t the Lord in Zion? Is her king no longer there?” Why then did they anger me with their images, with pointless foreign gods? 20 “The harvest is past, the summer has ended, yet we aren’t saved.” 21 Because my people are crushed, I am crushed; darkness and despair overwhelm me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then have my people not been restored to health? 9 If only my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears, I would weep day and night for the wounds of my people. And here is the rest of it.

Daily Scripture September 23, 2013

Jeremiah 8:8-12 How can you say, “We are wise; we possess the Lord’s Instruction,” when the lying pen of the scribes has surely distorted it? 9 The wise will be shamed and shocked when they are caught. Look, they have rejected the Lord’s word; what kind of wisdom is that? 10 Therefore, I will give their wives to others and their fields to their captors. From the least to the greatest, all are eager to profit. From prophet to priest, all trade in falsehood. 11 They treat the wound of my people as if it were nothing: “All is well, all is well,” they insist, when in fact nothing is well. 12 They should be ashamed of their detestable practices, but they have no shame; they don’t even blush! Therefore, they will fall among the fallen and stumble when disaster arrives, declares the Lord.

Daily Scripture September 22, 2013

Jeremiah 8:4-7 Say to them, The Lord proclaims: When people fall down, don’t they get up? When they turn aside, don’t they turn back? 5 Why then does this people, rebellious Jerusalem, persistently turn away from me? They cling to deceit and refuse to return. 6 I have listened carefully but haven’t heard a word of truth from them. No one regrets their wrongdoing; no one says, “What have I done?” Everyone turns to their own course, like a stallion dashing into the thick of battle. 7 Even the stork in the sky knows the seasons, and the dove, swallow, and crane return in due time. But my people don’t know the Lord’s ways.

Daily Scripture September 21, 2013

Psalm 14:5-7 Count on it: they will be in utter panic because God is with the righteous generation. 6 You evildoers may humiliate the plans of those who suffer, but the Lord is their refuge. 7 Let Israel’s salvation come out of Zion! When the Lord changes his people’s circumstances for the better, Jacob will rejoice; Israel will celebrate!

Daily Scripture September 20, 2013

Psalm 14:3-4 but all of them have turned bad. Everyone is corrupt. No one does good— not even one person! 4 Are they dumb, all these evildoers, devouring my people like they are eating bread but never calling on the Lord?

Daily Scripture September 19, 2013

Psalm 14:1-2 Fools say in their hearts, There is no God. They are corrupt and do evil things; not one of them does anything good. 2 The Lord looks down from heaven on humans to see if anyone is wise, to see if anyone seeks God,

Daily Scripture September 18, 2013

Jeremiah 4:22-28 My people are foolish. They don’t even know me! They are thoughtless children without understanding; they are skilled at doing wrong, inept at doing right. 23 I looked at the earth, and it was without shape or form; at the heavens and there was no light. 24 I looked at the mountains and they were quaking; all the hills were rocking back and forth. 25 I looked and there was no one left; every bird in the sky had taken flight. 26 I looked and the fertile land was a desert; all its towns were in ruins before the Lord, before his fury. 27 The Lord proclaims: The whole earth will become a desolation, but I will not destroy it completely. 28 Therefore, the earth will grieve and the heavens grow dark because I have declared my plan and will neither change my mind nor cancel the plan.

Daily Scripture September 17, 2013

Jeremiah 4:11-12 At that time, this people and Jerusalem will be told: A blistering wind from the bare heights; it rages in the desert toward my people, not merely to winnow or cleanse. 12 This wind is too devastating for that. Now I, even I, will pronounce my sentence against them.

Daily Scripture September 16, 2013

1 Timothy 1:16-17 16 But this is why I was shown mercy, so that Christ Jesus could show his endless patience to me first of all. So I’m an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the king of the ages, to the immortal, invisible, and only God, may honor and glory be given to him forever and always! Amen.

Daily Scripture September 15, 2013

1 Timothy 1:12-15 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength because he considered me faithful. So he appointed me to ministry 13 even though I used to speak against him, attack his people, and I was proud. But I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and without faith. 14 Our Lord’s favor poured all over me along with the faithfulness and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is reliable and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I’m the biggest sinner of all.

Daily Scripture September 14, 2013

Psalm 139:16-18 Your eyes saw my embryo, and on your scroll every day was written that was being formed for me, before any one of them had yet happened. 17 God, your plans are incomprehensible to me! Their total number is countless! 18 If I tried to count them—they outnumber grains of sand! If I came to the very end—I’d still be with you.

Daily Scripture September 13, 2013

Psalm 139:13-15 You are the one who created my innermost parts; you knit me together while I was still in my mother’s womb. 14 I give thanks to you that I was marvelously set apart. Your works are wonderful—I know that very well. 15 My bones weren’t hidden from you when I was being put together in a secret place, when I was being woven together in the deep parts of the earth.

Daily Scripture September 12, 2013

Psalm 139:4-6 There isn’t a word on my tongue, Lord, that you don’t already know completely. 5 You surround me—front and back. You put your hand on me. 6 That kind of knowledge is too much for me; it’s so high above me that I can’t fathom it.

Daily Scripture September 11, 2013

Psalm 139:1-3 Lord, you have examined me. You know me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up. Even from far away, you comprehend my plans. 3 You study my traveling and resting. You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways.

Daily Scripture September 10, 2013

Jeremiah 18:9-11 At the same time, I may announce that I will build and plant a nation or kingdom; 10 but if that nation displeases and disobeys me, then I’ll relent and not carry out the good I intended for it. 11 Now say to the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem: This is what the Lord says: I am a potter preparing a disaster for you; I’m working out a plan against you. So each one of you, turn from your evil ways; reform your ways and your actions.

Daily Scripture September 9, 2013

Jeremiah 18:5-8 Then the Lord’s word came to me: 6 House of Israel, can’t I deal with you like this potter, declares the Lord? Like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in mine, house of Israel! 7 At any time I may announce that I will dig up, pull down, and destroy a nation or kingdom; 8 but if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I’ll relent and not carry out the harm I intended for it.

Daily Scripture September 8, 2013

Jeremiah 18:1-4 Jeremiah received the Lord’s word: 2 Go down to the potter’s house, and I’ll give you instructions about what to do there. 3 So I went down to the potter’s house; he was working on the potter’s wheel. 4 But the piece he was making was flawed while still in his hands, so the potter started on another, as seemed best to him.

Daily Scripture September 7, 2013

1 Corinthians 10:4b-c They drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.

Daily Scripture September 6, 2013

Jeremiah 32:21-23 21 With a strong hand, an outstretched arm, and with awesome power, yes, with signs and wonders, you brought your people Israel out of the land of Egypt. 22 You gave them this land that you promised to their ancestors, a land full of milk and honey. 23 They entered and took possession of it, but they didn’t obey you or follow your Instruction. In fact, they didn’t do anything you commanded them. So you brought upon them this disaster.

Daily Scripture September 5, 2013

Mark 4:24 24 He said to them, “Listen carefully! God will evaluate you with the same standard you use to evaluate others. Indeed, you will receive even more.

Daily Scripture September 4, 2013

Proverbs 2:5-6, 10a Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God. 6 The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 10a Wisdom will enter your mind,

Daily Scripture September 3, 2013

Proverbs 2:1-2 My son, accept my words and store up my commands. 2 Turn your ear toward wisdom, and stretch your mind toward understanding.

Daily Scripture September 2, 2013

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 4 Israel, listen! Our God is the Lord! Only the Lord! 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength.

Daily Scripture September 1, 2013

Psalm 81:10-16 I am the Lord your God, who brought you up from Egypt’s land. Open your mouth wide—I will fill it up! 11 But my people wouldn’t listen to my voice. Israel simply wasn’t agreeable toward me. 12 So I sent them off to follow their willful hearts; they followed their own advice. 13 How I wish my people would listen to me! How I wish Israel would walk in my ways! 14 Then I would subdue their enemies in a second; I would turn my hand against their foes. 15 Those who hate the Lord would grovel before me, and their doom would last forever! 16 But I would feed you with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with honey from the rock.”

Daily ScriptureAugust 31, 2013

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Daily Scripture August 30, 2013

Psalm 144:1-2 Bless the Lord, my rock, who taught my hands how to fight, who taught my fingers how to do battle! 2 God is my loyal one, my fortress, my place of safety, my rescuer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, and the one who subdues people before me.

Daily Scripture August 29, 2013

Psalm 61:1-3 God, listen to my cry; pay attention to my prayer! 2 When my heart is weak, I cry out to you from the very ends of the earth. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I am 3 because you have been my refuge, a tower of strength in the face of the enemy.

Daily Scripture August 28, 2013

Psalm 31:2-3 Listen closely to me! Deliver me quickly; be a rock that protects me; be a strong fortress that saves me! 3 You are definitely my rock and my fortress. Guide me and lead me for the sake of your good name!

Daily Scripture August 27, 2013

Psalm 18:30-31 God! His way is perfect; the Lord’s word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 31 Now really, who is divine except the Lord? And who is a rock but our God?

Daily Scripture August 26, 2013

Psalm 18:1-2 He said: I love you, Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. My God is my rock— I take refuge in him!— he’s my shield, my salvation’s strength, my place of safety.

Daily Scripture August 25, 2013

Luke 12:49-51 49 “I came to cast fire upon the earth. How I wish that it was already ablaze! 50 I have a baptism I must experience. How I am distressed until it’s completed! 51 Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, I have come instead to bring division.

Daily Scripture August 24, 2013

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Daily Scripture August 23, 2013

Psalm 144:1-2 Bless the Lord, my rock, who taught my hands how to fight, who taught my fingers how to do battle! 2 God is my loyal one, my fortress, my place of safety, my rescuer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, and the one who subdues people before me.

Daily Scripture August 22, 2013

Psalm 61:1-3 God, listen to my cry; pay attention to my prayer! 2 When my heart is weak, I cry out to you from the very ends of the earth. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I am 3 because you have been my refuge, a tower of strength in the face of the enemy.

Daily Scripture August 21, 2013

Psalm 31:2-3 Listen closely to me! Deliver me quickly; be a rock that protects me; be a strong fortress that saves me! 3 You are definitely my rock and my fortress. Guide me and lead me for the sake of your good name!

Daily Scripture August 20, 2013

Psalm 18:30-31 God! His way is perfect; the Lord’s word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 31 Now really, who is divine except the Lord? And who is a rock but our God?

Daily Scripture August 19, 2013

Psalm 18:1-2 He said: I love you, Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. My God is my rock— I take refuge in him!— he’s my shield, my salvation’s strength, my place of safety.

Daily Scripture August 18, 2013

Luke 12:49-51 “I came to cast fire upon the earth. How I wish that it was already ablaze! 50 I have a baptism I must experience. How I am distressed until it’s completed! 51 Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, I have come instead to bring division.

Daily Scripture August 10, 2013

1 John 5:1-5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born from God. Whoever loves someone who is a parent loves the child born to the parent. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep God’s commandments. 3 This is the love of God: we keep God’s commandments. God’s commandments are not difficult, 4 because everyone who is born from God defeats the world. And this is the victory that has defeated the world: our faith. 5 Who defeats the world? Isn’t it the one who believes that Jesus is God’s Son?

Daily Scripture August 9, 2013

1 Corinthians 10:13 13 No temptation has seized you that isn’t common for people. But God is faithful. He won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your abilities. Instead, with the temptation, God will also supply a way out so that you will be able to endure it.

Daily Scripture August 8, 2013

John 16:33 33 I’ve said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.”

Daily Scripture August 7, 2013

John 10:10-15 10 The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 When the hired hand sees the wolf coming, he leaves the sheep and runs away. That’s because he isn’t the shepherd; the sheep aren’t really his. So the wolf attacks the sheep and scatters them. 13 He’s only a hired hand and the sheep don’t matter to him. 14 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. I give up my life for the sheep.

Daily Scripture August 6, 2013

Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing. 2 He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters; 3 he keeps me alive. He guides me in proper paths for the sake of his good name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff— they protect me. 5 You set a table for me right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil; my cup is so full it spills over! 6 Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live[b] in the Lord’s house as long as I live.

Daily Scripture August 5, 2013

John 8:31-32 31 Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teaching. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Daily Scripture August 4, 2013

Luke 11:2-4 Jesus told them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom. 3 Give us the bread we need for today. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who has wronged us. And don’t lead us into temptation.’” Matthew 11:28-30 28 “Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. 29 Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. 30 My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.”

Daily Scripture August 3, 2013

Psalm 107:1-9 “Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever!” 2 That’s what those who are redeemed by the Lord say, the ones God redeemed from the power of their enemies, 3 the ones God gathered from various countries, from east and west, north and south. 4 Some of the redeemed had wandered into the desert, into the wasteland. They couldn’t find their way to a city or town. 5 They were hungry and thirsty; their lives were slipping away. 6 So they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and God delivered them from their desperate circumstances. 7 God led them straight to human habitation. 8 Let them thank the Lord for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all people, 9 because God satisfied the one who was parched with thirst, and he filled up the hungry with good things!

Daily Scripture August 2, 2013

Psalm 85:10-13 Faithful love and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed. 11 Truth springs up from the ground; righteousness gazes down from heaven. 12 Yes, the Lord gives what is good, and our land yields its produce. 13 Righteousness walks before God, making a road for his steps.

Daily Scripture August 1, 2013

Psalm 85:7-9 Show us your faithful love, Lord! Give us your salvation! 8 Let me hear what the Lord God says, because he speaks peace to his people and to his faithful ones. Don’t let them return to foolish ways. 9 God’s salvation is very close to those who honor him so that his glory can live in our land.

Daily Scriptue July 31, 2013

Psalm 85:1-6 Lord, you’ve been kind to your land; you’ve changed Jacob’s circumstances for the better. 2 You’ve forgiven your people’s wrongdoing; you’ve covered all their sins. Selah 3 You’ve stopped being furious; you’ve turned away from your burning anger. 4 You, the God who can save us, restore us! Stop being angry with us! 5 Will you be mad at us forever? Will you prolong your anger from one generation to the next? 6 Won’t you bring us back to life again so that your people can rejoice in you?

Daily Scripture July 30, 2013

Colossians 2:6-10 6 So live in Christ Jesus the Lord in the same way as you received him. 7 Be rooted and built up in him, be established in faith, and overflow with thanksgiving just as you were taught. 8 See to it that nobody enslaves you with philosophy and foolish deception, which conform to human traditions and the way the world thinks and acts rather than Christ. 9 All the fullness of deity lives in Christ’s body. 10 And you have been filled by him, who is the head of every ruler and authority.

Daily Scripture July 29, 2013

Luke 11:5-10 5 He also said to them, “Imagine that one of you has a friend and you go to that friend in the middle of the night. Imagine saying, ‘Friend, loan me three loaves of bread 6 because a friend of mine on a journey has arrived and I have nothing to set before him.’ 7 Imagine further that he answers from within the house, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ 8 I assure you, even if he wouldn’t get up and help because of his friendship, he will get up and give his friend whatever he needs because of his friend’s brashness. 9 And I tell you: Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 Everyone who asks, receives. Whoever seeks, finds. To everyone who knocks, the door is opened.

Daily Scripture July 28, 2013

Luke 11:1-4 Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 Jesus told them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom. 3 Give us the bread we need for today. 4 Forgive us our sins,for we also forgive everyone who has wronged us. And don’t lead us into temptation.’”

Daily Scripture July 27, 2013

Colossians 1:24-27 24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Daily Scripture July 26, 2013

Colossians 1:21-23 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[a] your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Daily Scripture July 25, 2013

Colossians 1:19-20 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Daily Scripture July 24, 2013

Colossians 1:15-18 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

The Original Royal Baby

 

By Andrea Laser, abp818@gmail.com

Like so much of the nation, I find myself captivated by the excitement around the royal baby.  It’s thrilling: it’s like watching a little bit of history unfold before your eyes.  Today I sat in front the television eager to see the first glance of the king.  Within seconds of the doors opening at the hospital, images flooded the internet of the royal baby’s introduction into the world.  The royal baby was born into immediate expectations, from people placing wagers on his name to his first words.  Naturally the media has compared this baby’s introduction to that of his father’s, Prince William.  It made me think about a royal baby born much earlier: Jesus. 

The world was eagerly awaiting the birth of a savior, but it took on a much different path, during a much different time.  What if Jesus had been born into current time?  Would his hash tag been #holybaby, or #thewaitisover?  Would Jesus use the internet to create a following?  He might have used it, but more than likely his greatest connection would still be face to face with people.

One of Jesus’s greatest gifts was teaching his followers how to accept and love all neighbors: making connections.  He formed the greatest web of connections known to mankind, Christianity.  As a member of the body of Christ, you are not only in a relationship with Christ, but also connected to millions of Christians around the world.

One of the biggest blessings my family has had since becoming members of BUMC is the connection we have made with our small group, First Fridays.  We have made friends through this group that are like family.  We are there for each other to mourn when there is sadness in lives, and to celebrate when there is excitement.  I laugh with them, I cry with them, I ask advice of them, and I always know that they are there for my family whenever we need them. 

God wants us to be connected, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, NLT). 

In this current state of social media and instantaneous connections, are you still personally connected?  What’s the value for you of face to face friendships?

Daily Scripture July 23, 2013

Psalm 52:8-9 8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. 9 For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.

Daily Scripture July 22, 2013

Hebrews 13:5-6 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Daily Scripture July 21, 2013

Luke 10:38-42 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Daily Scripture July 20, 2013

Romans 12:20-21 20 Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. 21 Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.

Daily Scripture July 19, 2013

Romans 12:18-19 18 If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. 19 Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord.

Daily Scripture July 18, 2013

Romans 8:28-30 28 We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 We know this because God knew them in advance, and he decided in advance that they would be conformed to the image of his Son. That way his Son would be the first of many brothers and sisters. 30 Those who God decided in advance would be conformed to his Son, he also called. Those whom he called, he also made righteous. Those whom he made righteous, he also glorified.

Daily Scripture June 17, 2013

Romans 8:26-27 26 In the same way, the Spirit comes to help our weakness. We don’t know what we should pray, but the Spirit himself pleads our case with unexpressed groans. 27 The one who searches hearts knows how the Spirit thinks, because he pleads for the saints, consistent with God’s will.

Daily Scripture July 16, 2013

Romans 8:24-25 24 We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? 25 But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.

Daily Scripture July 15, 2013

Luke 10:33-35 33 A Samaritan, who was on a journey, came to where the man was. But when he saw him, he was moved with compassion. 34 The Samaritan went to him and bandaged his wounds, tending them with oil and wine. Then he placed the wounded man on his own donkey, took him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day, he took two full days’ worth of wages and gave them to the innkeeper. He said, ‘Take care of him, and when I return, I will pay you back for any additional costs.’

Daily Scripture July 14, 2013

Luke 10:30-32 30 Jesus replied, “A man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. He encountered thieves, who stripped him naked, beat him up, and left him near death. 31 Now it just so happened that a priest was also going down the same road. When he saw the injured man, he crossed over to the other side of the road and went on his way. 32 Likewise, a Levite came by that spot, saw the injured man, and crossed over to the other side of the road and went on his way.

Daily Scripture July 13, 2013

Romans 12:16-17 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

Daily Scripture July 12, 2013

Romans 12:12-15 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Daily Scripture July 11, 2013

Romans 12:9-11 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Daily Scripture July 10, 2013

Romans 12:6-8 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Daily Scripture July 9, 2013

Romans 12:3-5 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Daily Scripture July 7, 2013

John 5:5-9 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath,

Daily Scripture July 6, 2013

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Daily Scripture July 5, 2013

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Daily Scripture July 4, 2013

John 14:26, 27 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Daily Scripture July 8, 2013

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Daily Scriture July 3, 2013

Psalm 57 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. 3 He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me— God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. 4 I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts— men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. 6 They spread a net for my feet— I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path— but they have fallen into it themselves. 7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. 8 Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.