07 September 2013

Today's Readings and Stuff == Saturday, 07 September, 2013

and it just continues.  A bit earlier we had a visit from our one-time couch dwellers half sister.  She lives half an hour from here, did not truly know the situation, or her half-sibling's HIV condition, or any of a number of other things.  We had quite a conversation, quite a conversation indeed.  I think she left here quite shaken, and her own sister (who is, of course, another half sister of his) called here minutes after she'd left.  This is getting interesting, as they realize bit by bit the true extent of the situation.  Now they don't know what to do, and as we told them, we are moving soon, a thousand-mile trip, he ain't coming along and it's on them now.  As it should have been all along, and would have been had it not been for an extended stretch of deceit. 
I ain't in my best possible mood.  And we got very little done this week in the way of packing or anything.  Tuesday marks our 25th wedding anniversary, and I don't think we had intended to spend it quite like this.

The day's Old Testament reading is Proverbs 11 and 12.  Sorry I am not doing the text justice in this run and gun mode.


1
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
2
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
3
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
4
Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
7
When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
8
The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
9
An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
10
When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
14
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16
A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
17
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22
As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
23
The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
26
He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
28
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
29
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
31
Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.


1
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3
A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
5
The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6
The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7
The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9
He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
10
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
12
The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
13
The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14
A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21
There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27
The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28
In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death








====

The day's New Testament passage is verses 33-58 from 1st Corinthians 15.  This is immensely important stuff here, yesterday and today both, and I am just not up to commentary, for which sorry,
I requested verses 55-58 be included in the service when my father passed a few years ago. They have long been a comfort to me.

33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
34
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
35
But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
36
Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
37
And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
38
But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
39
All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
40
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
42
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
43
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
44
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
45
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
46
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
47
The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.
48
As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
49
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
50
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

06 September 2013

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Friday, 6 September, 2013

Running late.  Had some running to do today as we prepare for our relocation coming up.
Still getting some echoes from the transport of our couch dweller to the local hospital.  Doing a bit better though still in ICU.  Are hearing from some of his real relatives, several of whom were fed false accounts, all conflicting with each other.  I gather they're starting to compare notes and realizing that there was an odor of decay in the State of Denmark.  Funny that those who are so interested now have been nowhere visible over the last 4-1/2 years.  Ah well

Old Testament passage for the day is Proverbs 9 and 10

Proverbs 9

1
Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
2
She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
3
She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
4
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
5
Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
6
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
7
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
8
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
11
For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
12
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
13
A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
14
For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15
To call passengers who go right on their ways:
16
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
17
Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
18
But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.


1
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
2
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
3
The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
4
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
5
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
6
Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
7
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
8
The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
9
He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
10
He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
11
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
12
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
13
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
14
Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
15
The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
16
The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
17
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
18
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
19
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
20
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
21
The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
22
The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
23
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
24
The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
25
As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
26
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
27
The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
28
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
29
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
30
The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
31
The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
32
The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.



=======

New Testament passage is verses 1-32 from chapter 15 of 1st Corinthians

1
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6
After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7
After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8
And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
9
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11
Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
12
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13
But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14
And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15
Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16
For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17
And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
24
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
26
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
27
For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
28
And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
29
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
30
And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
31
I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
32
If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die


05 September 2013

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Thursday, 5 September, 2013

at the kitchen table late at night once again.
Wednesday was a rough day.  As I posted last night, we've had a guy sleeping on our couch for, well, let's just say far too long.  Was originally, I guess, set to be a week or so.  Been FAR longer than that, and things have gotten out of hand.  He's been in bad and worsening shape, a variety of ailments including Type 1 diabetes, aggravated by an active HIV status.  After I'd had to pick him up off the floor several times, Dear Wife laid down the law to him in the morning:  either to the ER at the hospital or we're dumping you at the Salvation Army.  We can not and will not put up with it any more.  Took FIVE HOURS of pestering to get him off the couch (which, when we move in a few weeks, is going to be carted off and burned) and into his shoes and car.  And off to the ER.  Blood sugar in the stratosphere because he refused to take his insulin, and some other stuff too.  They put him in the ICU and admitted him.  We spent HOURS on phone with hospital personnel, including Social Workers, letting them know that no, no matter what he told you we are not his brother or sister.  And telling those he had told were his sister that he was in hospital, only to find out that she was not his sister and no, she had not started arrangements to move him into her basement some time in the next two weeks.  And more like that.  Been tough to get into the tough love.  I grew weary and now angry at the horrid pattern of lies and general bad behavior that we evidently enabled by not kicking him out four years ago.
We are leaving here in less than a month, moving nearly a thousand miles from here.  I hope the social workers can have him placed in an assisted living environment, because he's not coming with us.  I hate to be that way, but there it is.   We're over it.

The morning's reading is chapters 7 and 8 in the Proverbs.  I'm told that at one time, it was considered common in some school settings, for students to copy these down word for word.  Perhaps doing so exposed them to some good advice.  Worth a try, anyway.


1
My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
2
Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
3
Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
4
Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:
5
That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.
6
For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,
7
And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
8
Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,
9
In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:
10
And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
11
(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
12
Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)
13
So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,
14
I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.
15
Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
16
I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.
17
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18
Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.
19
For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:
20
He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.
21
With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
22
He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
23
Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.
24
Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
25
Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
26
For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
27
Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.


1
Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
2
She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
3
She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
4
Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
5
O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
6
Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
7
For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8
All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
9
They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
10
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
12
I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
13
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
14
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
15
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
16
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
17
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
18
Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
19
My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
20
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
21
That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
22
The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23
I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24
When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25
Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
26
While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
27
When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
28
When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
29
When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
30
Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
31
Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
32
Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
33
Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
34
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
35
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
36
But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.






===

The New Testament reading is verses 21-40 of 1st Corinthians chapter 14.

This section has a few verses that are particularly controversial these days, the commands regarding the role of women in the church found in verses 34 and 35.  I am not brave enough, nor wise enough, to dwell on them overmuch.  I will note that I have observed some denominations and individual congregations that have ignored these prohibitions.  One being the Mennonite church I grew up in.  Sad to say, the results have not been good.  I see much adherence to the religious fad of the day, and much less attention to the issues of sin and salvation.  Lots of blather about the chimera of "social justice" and the like.  Not much about judgment, Hell, eternity.  I don't think the Lord is pleased to see a church in northern Alabama call a female pastor, who thereupon makes noises about performing same-sex "weddings".  Or the Mennonite congregation in the Baltimore area doing likewise.  Or the homosexuals holding high church offices in the Episcopalian, Methodist, Lutheran (ELCA), UCC, or Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  And, probably, others.  Not good, and not God-honoring.



21
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
22
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
23
If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
24
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
25
And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
26
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
27
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30
If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31
For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
34
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
35
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
36
What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
37
If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
38
But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40
Let all things be done decently and in order.

04 September 2013

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Wednesday, 4 September, 2013

midweek here.
Writing this at the kitchen table, keeping an eye on things.  A while back, we took in a guy that wife knew, essentially homeless, severe diabetic, numerous other issues including HIV and a homosexual lifestyle.  Let him crash on the couch until he could get situated, get his SSDI disability income, get Medicaid, all that stuff.  He's still here, more than four years later.  And now that we're moving in a month (or less, we hope), he's in panic mode.  Won't eat, which for a severe from-birth diabetic is very serious (and stupid), we've already had a ambulance and rescue squad here in the last few weeks when his sugar level crashed to around 27.  I had to pick him up off the floor a little bit ago which was not fun, he's 50 years old and taller than me.  But had to be done.  Now I'm not sure what to do, so am writing this while occasionally looking over to be sure he's still breathing and try to encourage him to eat the jello, etc. that we got for him out of our meager resources.  We shall see.

The Old Testament reading for the day is Proverbs 5 and 6. 


1
My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:
2
That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.
3
For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
4
But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
5
Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
6
Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.
7
Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
8
Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
9
Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
10
Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;
11
And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
12
And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
13
And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
14
I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
15
Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
16
Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
17
Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.
18
Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
19
Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
20
And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
21
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
22
His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
23
He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.


1
My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
2
Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
3
Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
4
Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
5
Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
6
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7
Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8
Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
9
How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
10
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
11
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
12
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
13
He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
14
Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
15
Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
16
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
20
My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
21
Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
22
When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
23
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
24
To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
25
Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
26
For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.
27
Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
28
Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
29
So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
30
Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
31
But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
32
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
33
A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
34
For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
35
He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.



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The New Testament reading is verses 1-20 of 1st Corinthians chapter 14.  Speaking in tongues.  A subject of controversy even today.  And also prophecy.  A REAL controversial subject in some places, I've been at ground zero for some of the fights.

1
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
2
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
3
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5
I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
6
Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
7
And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9
So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
10
There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11
Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
12
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
13
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16
Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
17
For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.