Today's Readings and Stuff -- Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Middle of the week already.  This retirement stuff is for the birds.  After having joined the workforce back in 1969, leisure is something I don't do well.  Haven't had much practice at it, actually.  Not that I want to return to the 6-day, 70-odd-hour weeks I was holding down (for a LOW 40 hours' pay) for the last several years.  But something a bit more regular than this.  Starting to get an idea of the reason that so many people I once knew died within 6 months of retirement.  Of course, some of them hung on until they were half dead already.  Or drank themselves to death, and even some had been in training for over a period of many years.  Not me, thank you.

We continue our preparations for The Great Relocation.  I would just like for all of this to be done.  Feel like I'm in a big holding pattern until it does.The Lord has a plan for us, I know it.  What it is, well that has yet to be revealed.  One step at a time, I guess.  We shall see.

The morning's reading is chapters 4, 5, 6 from Ecclesiastes.  Solomon again.

Ecclesiastes 4

1	So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
2	Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
3	Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
4	Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
5	The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
6	Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
7	Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
8	There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
9	Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10	For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
11	Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12	And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13	Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
14	For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
15	I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
16	There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 5

1	Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
2	Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
3	For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.
4	When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
5	Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
6	Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?
7	For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
8	If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.
9	Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.
10	He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.
11	When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?
12	The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
13	There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
14	But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
15	As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.
16	And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?
17	All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
18	Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
19	Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.
20	For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

Ecclesiastes 6

1	There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:
2	A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.
3	If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.
4	For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.
5	Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.
6	Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?
7	All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
8	For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?
9	Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
10	That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.
11	Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
12	For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

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for the evening's New Testament lesson, 2nd Corinthians chapter 10

II Corinthians 10

1	Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
2	But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3	For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4	(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5	Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6	And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
7	Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
8	For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
9	That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
10	For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
11	Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
12	For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
13	But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
14	For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
15	Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
16	To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
17	But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
18	For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Tuesday, 17 September, 2013

and a Fine Morning to all who stop by.  Good to have you along.  Hope this is a good day for all.
Sitting at kitchen table, drinking coffee and eating stale donuts that I got off the clearance rack at store.  Last week.  Early last week.  Did I mention stale?  but edible, and we are thankful for them.

The Great Packing Project continues.  I can not wait for this thing to be done.  At this point, we just want to be out of here, in our new location, and this move and all the stress and everything to be over with.  Can't wait.

Then we turn to our daily readings. 
This morning, chapters 1, 2, 3 from the book of Ecclesiastes.  In some ways, this resembles Proverbs, in other ways it is quite different.  They are both counted as part of the "Wisdom" section of the Bible, which seems appropriate.  And they do have Solomon in common.  As we've said before, at one time in both America and in England, it was common for the Bible to be part of school learning, and the Wisdom literature was expected to be read by all students and often copied out by hand every verse and perhaps committed to memory.  It was part of the atmosphere, if you like.  We no longer do that.  And it doesn't take real good eyes to notice the reduction in wisdom and wise behavior and words in our lands today.  Not sure I'd claim causality there, but there surely is correlation.  Perhaps we might consider, just perhaps, going back to what worked?

Ecclesiastes 1

1	The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2	Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
3	What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
4	One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
5	The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.
6	The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
7	All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
8	All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
9	The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
10	Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
11	There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
12	I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13	And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
14	I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
15	That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
16	I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
17	And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
18	For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

Ecclesiastes 2

1	I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.
2	I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?
3	I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.
4	I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:
5	I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:
6	I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:
7	I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:
8	I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
9	So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.
10	And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
11	Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
12	And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
13	Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
14	The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.
15	Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.
16	For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.
17	Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
18	Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
19	And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
20	Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.
21	For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
22	For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?
23	For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.
24	There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
25	For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?
26	For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 3

1	To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2	A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3	A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4	A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5	A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6	A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7	A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8	A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
9	What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
10	I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
11	He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
12	I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
13	And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
14	I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
15	That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
16	And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
17	I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
18	I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
19	For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
20	All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
21	Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
22	Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

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the New Testament passage for the day comes from 2nd Corinthians, chapter 9

II Corinthians 9

1	For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
2	For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
3	Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
4	Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
5	Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
6	But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7	Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8	And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9	(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10	Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11	Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12	For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13	Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
14	And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15	Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Monday, 16 Setember, 2013

trying for an early start today as we have quite a lot to do this week.  Lots to do, and little time to do it in.  Let us be at it.

This morning's reading is Proverbs 30 and 31, completing this work. 
I would be remiss if Proverbs 31 was not particularly called out.  I am married to a woman who fits the character described here, for which thank You, Lord.  But there are also a number of groups whose ministry and desire is to further and support such people.  As a guy, I'm not supposed to have a whole lot of say in them.  I will suggest that those interested might look up groups like Proverbs 31 Ministries, and there very definitely are others,  For those who do the FaceBook thing, there is at least one such there

Proverbs 30 

1	The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
2	Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.
3	I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
4	Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?
5	Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
6	Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
7	Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
8	Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9	Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
10	Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
11	There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
12	There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
13	There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
14	There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
15	The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:
16	The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
17	The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
18	There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:
19	The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.
20	Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
21	For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:
22	For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
23	For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
24	There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
25	The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
26	The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
27	The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
28	The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.
29	There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:
30	A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
31	A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
32	If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
33	Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

Proverbs 31

1	The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2	What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3	Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4	It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5	Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6	Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7	Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8	Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9	Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10	Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11	The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12	She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13	She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14	She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15	She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16	She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17	She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18	She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19	She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20	She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21	She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22	She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23	Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24	She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25	Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26	She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27	She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28	Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29	Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30	Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31	Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

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This evening, 2nd Corinthians chapter 8

II Corinthians 8

1	Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2	How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
3	For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4	Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
5	And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
6	Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
7	Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
8	I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
9	For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
10	And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
11	Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
12	For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
13	For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
14	But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
15	As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
16	But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
17	For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
18	And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
19	And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
20	Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
21	Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22	And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
23	Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
24	Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Sunday, 15 September, 2013

late again, sigh.
Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest.  Hasn't turned out to be all of that.
Morning, that was OK.  Our little church is on the edge of the county, outside of any city limits and city services.  A number of years ago, some people got together and formed a volunteer fire department.  A number of our church's leaders were instrumental in that, one of whom is still living and a co-member of our deacon board.  There are now several stations in that fire district, one being directly across from the church house, about a hundred yards from the country line.  We make a point of holding a service on or as near to the 9/11 date as possible to thank them for their service to the community and in memory of all the first responders out there who, often for no pay and little thanks, daily extend themselves in service to their fellow citizens, and too often losing life or limb in the process.  As happened on 9/11.  So we held a worship service, took up a love offering for the department.  And then, being good Baptists, had a "fellowship meal" in the fellowship hall.
During the service, Dear Wife and yours truly were called out for a "laying on of hands" as part of the extended good-bye to this group and to the area.  We have made friends that we will miss and probably never again see in this life.  But we, and the church, are determined to treat our relocation as a door into a new ministry, an advance rather than a retreat.  I do believe the Lord is in this, His will be done.
Got home, decided to nap for a bit.  Car doors outside.
Went to look, and behold, our :couch dweller" was coming up the front steps followed by his half-sister's husband and his belongings from the hospital he's been in for nearly two weeks.  We had already packed his stuff and notified those parts of his family that they now have the responsibility for him, we are moving, he's not coming with us and he's not coming back here.  There followed a good hour of intense phone exchanges.  His one half-sister, the one who lives 20 minutes or so from here and has been no part of his care during the 4-1/2 YEARS he's been leeching off us, came by to wail that she can't do anything and her 15 year old kid is in the car and hungry now and can't we do something?  Answer to that being no. 
In the end, we packed him up in our car, along with ALL of his stuff, took him to a local 'extended stay' hotel with free tv and phone, gave him $200 which is a sore sacrifice indeed, and left him there.  He's gone. 
There followed several hours of phone calls from those who were incensed at our actions, but none of whom had had interest in his well being for the last 4-1/2 years, nor were willing to take personal involvement in the matter now.  Just wanted us to do so.  Answer is still no. 
Lord willing, in 8 days we will be nearly a thousand miles from here setting up last minute stuff on the move,and this will be behind us.
But this is not the day of rest we'd planned.

Should be an interesting week. 

Anyway, and I know it is late, but the readings for the day are

Proverbs 28 and 29.  Getting close to the end on these, incidentally.

                             Proverbs 28

1	The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2	For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
3	A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4	They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
5	Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
6	Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7	Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
8	He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
9	He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
10	Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
11	The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12	When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
13	He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
14	Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15	As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16	The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17	A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
18	Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19	He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
20	A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
21	To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
22	He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23	He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24	Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
25	He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
26	He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27	He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28	When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

                               Proverbs 29

1	He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2	When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
3	Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
4	The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
5	A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
6	In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7	The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
8	Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
9	If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
10	The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
11	A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
12	If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
13	The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
14	The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
15	The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
16	When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
17	Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18	Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19	A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
20	Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
21	He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
22	An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
23	A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
24	Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25	The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
26	Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.
27	An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

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and  2nd Corinthians 7

II Corinthians 7

1	Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2	Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
3	I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.
4	Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
5	For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
6	Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
7	And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
8	For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
9	Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10	For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
11	For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
12	Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
13	Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
14	For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
15	And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
16	I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.