28 August 2010

Today's Readings -- 28 August 2010

recovering conciousness, somewhat, after yet another long night, the 291st episode in the "short stint" on the night shift that I was "asked" to take to give someone else a "short break" from it. Last year. Evidently we have a linguistic disconnect here. So, sorry, things have been a bit ragged here lately. Sorry, truly.

Today's readings begin in the Psalms, with Psalms 136, 137, 138. You may find 137 a bit hard. It starts out one way, and ends another.

1
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3
O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
4
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
5
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
6
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
7
To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
8
The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
9
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
10
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
11
And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
12
With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
13
To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
14
And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
15
But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
16
To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
17
To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
18
And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
19
Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
20
And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
21
And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
22
Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
23
Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
24
And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
25
Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
26
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.


1
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
2
We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.
3
For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.
4
How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land?
5
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
6
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
7
Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
8
O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
9
Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.


1
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
2
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
3
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
4
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
5
Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
6
Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.




We then go on to 1st Corinthians 9.

1
Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
2
If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
3
Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
4
Have we not power to eat and to drink?
5
Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
6
Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
7
Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
8
Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
9
For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
10
Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
11
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
12
If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
13
Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
14
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
15
But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
16
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
17
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
18
What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
19
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23
And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

27 August 2010

Today's Readings -- 27 August 2010

this is a back-dated post

things a bit disjointed here today

this morning, Psalms 132-135

1
Lord, remember David, and all his afflictions:
2
How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;
3
Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;
4
I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,
5
Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
6
Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.
7
We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.
8
Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
9
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
10
For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
11
The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
12
If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
13
For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
14
This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
15
I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16
I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
17
There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
18
His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.


1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3
As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.


1
Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.
2
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.
3
The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.


1
Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD.
2
Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God.
3
Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.
4
For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
5
For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
6
Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
7
He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.
8
Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.
9
Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.
10
Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;
11
Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:
12
And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people.
13
Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.
14
For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.
15
The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
16
They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
17
They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.
18
They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.
19
Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:
20
Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.
21
Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.



this evening, 1st Corinthians 8
1
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
2
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3
But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
4
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
5
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
7
Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8
But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
9
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10
For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12
But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13
Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

26 August 2010

Today's Readings --- 26 August 2010

Sorry for how disjointed things have been here lately, and today will be little better.
We're going through some things here. The Lord is good, all the time, but the circumstances are not always so good. Then again, as I told someone recently, blessings don't always feel like blessings at the time. I've been through that, several times. This may be another such.

This morning, Psalms 128 - 131

1
Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
2
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
3
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
4
Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
5
The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
6
Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.


1
Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
2
Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
3
The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.
4
The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
5
Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion.
6
Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:
7
Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.
8
Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD.


1
Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.
2
Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
3
If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
4
But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
5
I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
6
My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
7
Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
8
And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.


1
Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
2
Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.
3
Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.




This evening, 1st Corinthians 7, verses 25-40

25
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
26
I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
27
Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
28
But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.
29
But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
30
And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;
31
And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
32
But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
33
But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
34
There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
35
And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
36
But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
37
Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.
38
So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.
39
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
40
But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

23 August 2010

Today's Readings -- 23 August 2010

We've been on hiatus here for the last week. Had the DSL modem bite the dust over the last weekend and, what with one thing and another going wrong at the same time, did not get it reported, replaced, installed, and going until this weekend. At which time other events overtook us, and things are just now, perhaps, getting back to something like normalcy. This has been quite a year, and it is not over yet.

This morning's read is verses 105-176 of Psalm 119. This is the longest Psalm, indeed the longest chapter, in all the Bible, and is based on an acrostic in Hebrew. You are free to read it in the Hebrew should you so desire, and if your talents extend there.

105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
106
I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107
I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
108
Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
109
My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
110
The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111
Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112
I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
113
I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
114
Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
115
Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
116
Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117
Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
118
Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
119
Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
120
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
121
I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
122
Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
123
Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
124
Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
125
I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
126
It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
127
Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
128
Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
129
Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
130
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
131
I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
132
Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
133
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
134
Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
135
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
136
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
137
Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
138
Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
139
My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
140
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
141
I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
142
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
143
Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
144
The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
145
I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
146
I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
147
I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
148
Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
149
Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
150
They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
151
Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
152
Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
153
Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
154
Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
155
Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
156
Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
157
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
158
I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
159
Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
160
Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
161
Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
162
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
163
I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
164
Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
165
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
166
LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
167
My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
168
I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
169
Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
170
Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
171
My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
172
My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
173
Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
174
I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
175
Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
176
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.






This evening, 1st Corinthians 5.
1
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
2
And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
3
For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
4
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
5
To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
7
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8
Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9
I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10
Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12
For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13
But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.