Today's Readings -- 07 September 2010

Well. I guess we are back at it today. The 3-day weekend flew by, Dear Wife and I had 3 whole days to spend together, the most we've had in the months and months and months that I have been stuck on this "short stint" on a night shift that has us seeing each other for about 30 seconds in the afternoon and me arriving home about the time she rises to get ready for work. So we've enjoyed the time together, while frankly more than a bit bitter about the circumstances that have reduced us to this. Ah well. This too shall pass, and at least we're both employed, if at a small fraction of our "normal" income. Low pay beats no pay, of course.

This morning, Proverbs 11 and 12.

Proverbs 11

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.

Proverbs 12

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.

This evening, verses 33-58 of 1st Corinthians 15.

I Corinthians 15:33-58

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.

Today's Readings -- 06 September 2010 Labor Day

Today is a legal holiday throughout the USA. It is nice having had the weekend and today with Dear Wife.

This morning's reading 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.

Proverbs 10

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.

This evening, verses 1-32 of 1st Corinthians 15.

I Corinthians 15:1-32

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.

Today's Readings -- 05 September 2010

things have been a bit disorganized around here lately. And Dearest Wife has been seriously, dangerously ill lately, and certainly in the last week. So my attention has been directed elsewhere. My apologies.

The Old Testament reading for today is from the Proverbs, 7 and 8
Proverbs 7
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.

Proverbs 8

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.



This evening, verses 14-40 of 1st Corinthians 14.

I Corinthians 14:21-40

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.

Today's Readings -- 30 August 2010

and so the work week begins again. Be safe out there.


This morning, Psalms 142-144. Some of this, Psalm 144 in particularly, is rarely taught, at least in the churches of my childhood.

Psalm 142

1	I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.
2	I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.
3	When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
4	I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
5	I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
6	Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
7	Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

Psalm 143

1	Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
2	And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
3	For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
4	Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
5	I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
6	I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
7	Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
8	Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
9	Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.
10	Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
11	Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12	And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

Psalm 144

1	Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
2	My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.
3	LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
4	Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
5	Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
6	Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.
7	Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;
8	Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
9	I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.
10	It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.
11	Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:
12	That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:
13	That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:
14	That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.
15	Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.

This evening, verses 14-33 of 1st Corinthians 10.

I Corinthians 10:14-33

14	Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
15	I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
16	The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17	For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
18	Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
19	What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
20	But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
21	Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
22	Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
23	All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
24	Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
25	Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
26	For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
27	If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
28	But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
29	Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
30	For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
31	Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32	Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33	Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Today's Readings -- 29 August 2010

today the last Sunday in August. Be in September before we know it. NOT my favorite time of the year, but that's what we get. Part of the cycle and all that.

We're still hanging in there. Big-time money troubles, unfortunately. In the last few months, we've had to replace a ruptured water heater, had TWO cars die on us (one because it got sideswiped on the freeway and we got zippo from his insurance company (and, with nearly 200,000 miles on it, we were carrying liability only)) leaving us down to the one we will be paying on after trading in the one with over 200,000 miles, and the heat pump that provides both heat and cooling to our little dwelling has died. And I just do not have the money. Just don't, and I don't know what we are going to do. God is good, all the time, but the circumstances frequently aren't. This is such a time.


The day's Old Testament reading is Psalms 139-141. We expect to be finishing up on this year's pass through the Psalms on Wednesday. Psalm 139 is a personal favorite of mine, dating back to my youth. This is a prayer, and one of those 'lay it all out for the Lord" prayers, there's nothing easy or light here.

Psalm 139

1	O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2	Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3	Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4	For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5	Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6	Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7	Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8	If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9	If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10	Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11	If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12	Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
13	For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14	I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15	My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16	Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17	How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18	If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
19	Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
20	For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21	Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22	I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23	Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24	And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 140

1	Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
2	Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.
3	They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.
4	Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
5	The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.
6	I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
7	O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
8	Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
9	As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
10	Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
11	Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
12	I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.
13	Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

Psalm 141

1	Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
2	Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
3	Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
4	Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.
5	Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
6	When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.
7	Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.
8	But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.
9	Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.
10	Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.

The New Testament reading is verses 1-13 of 1st Corinthians 10. Pay particular attention to verse 13 at the end. Chew on that one for a while, you won't regret it.

I Corinthians 10:1-13

1	Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2	And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3	And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4	And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5	But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6	Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
7	Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8	Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9	Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10	Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11	Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12	Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13	There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.