Today's Readings and Stuff -- Monday, 11 July 2016

It is probably not possible to be unaware of the awful things that have been taking place in the United States over the last few days.  We have quite a number of persons dead, others wounder to various levels of severity, lives and families and whole cities in turmoil.  And the usual number of those who intend to make some sort of capital out of the mess.  I was not there for any of it.  Most people were not.  But many of us have friends, family, business associates, and various other links to some of these places.  I have never been an official First Responder, though Dear Wife and many many friends and contacts either have been or are now.  Others, like me, have some background in some of these issues, and, like me, have had the fortune to be at Ground Zero for more than one, and know too well the smells of fresh blood and firearms discharges, and know the wails of the suddenly bereaved.  I do not believe that the Lord is glorified in any of it, nor does it please Him.
Likewise, I see the food riots and deprivation in places like Venezuela, privation caused entirely by obeisance to the false god of socialism, as it has been in virtually every circumstance in which it has been installed,
I see fighting in the Uighur areas of China, and in the Moslem insurrections in the Philippines, in the various "-stans" of Asia, in many parts of Africa, in many parts of central and south America.  And in Mexico.
It is easy to become convinced that God has somehow chosen to ignore all of this, that He does not care. 
I reject that.
And the record is rather clear that He knows, and that none of this occurs out of His knowledge and out of His control.  I do not know His perfect will, nor His plan.  But I know beyond a doubt that He is at work, and when it all comes to pass, it will be marvelous in our eyes. 
The record is also clear that the struggle will be real and personal.  Our readings today reflect that. 

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The Old Testament reading is Psalms 4, 5, and 6. 
David is described as a man after God's own heart.  Yet he struggled and suffered: some of the Psalms of David were composed while he was literally running for his life, hiding from his enemies.  Others came about when he was in deep despair, reaching out to the Lord as the only comfort to be had.  Not an easy life, and not a sinless one either.  Yet his influence is still felt today.

Psalm 4 

1	Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
2	O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3	But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
4	Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5	Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
6	There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7	Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8	I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 5

1	Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
2	Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
3	My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
4	For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
5	The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
6	Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
7	But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
8	Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
9	For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
10	Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
11	But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
12	For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

Psalm 6

1	O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2	Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3	My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
4	Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
5	For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
6	I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
7	Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
8	Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9	The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
10	Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

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The New Testament reading is verses 16-40 in Acts chapter 16. 
Easy life?  That does not describe these leaders and evangelists in the early church.  Beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonments, threats, stonings, rejection.  Yet they were faithful and they had an effect.  I wonder sometimes about those they impacted directly.  We have some records of Paul and Silas, Timothy, Barbabas, John, Peter and others.  But what of the jailer who saw the miracle and, with his family, was baptized?  What of the nameless damsel who, suddenly, was no longer a teller of fortunes?  Or Lydia and her friends and family?  The other prisoners in the jail in this account?  What of them?  I have to believe that at least some of them were led to tell others what the Lord had done.  And they, in turn, to lead others.  Have we had that same impact?

Acts 16:16-40

16	And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17	The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18	And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
19	And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
20	And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
21	And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
22	And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
23	And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
24	Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
25	And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26	And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
27	And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28	But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29	Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30	And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31	And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32	And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33	And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34	And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
35	And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
36	And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.
37	But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
38	And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
39	And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
40	And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Thursday, 07 July 2016

Another early morning, alarm goes off at 05:30.  Dear Wife off next door to "watch" the Little One as mom and dad head off to work.  They both enjoy it and it's good for both of them.  We got call last night that wife's nephew and wife are going to a not-too-distant animal park, taking their kids and taking the Little One as well (or so was the plan) so Dear Wife should be clear by 10:00 (planned) or 11:00 (more likely based on experience, they're not exactly good "time on target" people). 

We had heavy rain and storms last night, part of what the "greenies" assured us was going to be a drought this summer.  Quite a few people are still without power in the area, trees down all over and the power crews have been working all night and are still at it.  One report reminds one of a "micro burst", not quite a full tornado but a little brother of one.  Don't need to water the garden today, that's certain.

Today is Trash Day, the day the garbage company picks up for us (this is not a municipal operation, there are at least three different companies that pick up, just in this block of this street, and at least one more on the cross street above us).  Normally.  Monday was, of course, the holiday, and they didn't "run" that day.  So, does everything get pushed back a day?  No one seems to know.  Some have the cans out to the road, some don't.  The company never notified anyone.  I put ours out last night, just in case.  We shall see, I guess.  High drama, right?

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The Old Testament reading continues in Job, chapters 35, 36, and 37.

Job 35

1	Elihu spake moreover, and said,
2	Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?
3	For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?
4	I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee.
5	Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou.
6	If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?
7	If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?
8	Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.
9	By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.
10	But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;
11	Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?
12	There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.
13	Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.
14	Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.
15	But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity:
16	Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.

Job 36

1	Elihu also proceeded, and said,
2	Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf.
3	I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
4	For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.
5	Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.
6	He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor.
7	He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.
8	And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction;
9	Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.
10	He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.
11	If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.
12	But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.
13	But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.
14	They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean.
15	He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.
16	Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.
17	But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee.
18	Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.
19	Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength.
20	Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place.
21	Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.
22	Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?
23	Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?
24	Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.
25	Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off.
26	Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.
27	For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:
28	Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly.
29	Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?
30	Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.
31	For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.
32	With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt.
33	The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.

Job 37

1	At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.
2	Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.
3	He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
4	After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
5	God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
6	For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
7	He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.
8	Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.
9	Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
10	By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.
11	Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:
12	And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.
13	He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.
14	Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
15	Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?
16	Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?
17	How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?
18	Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
19	Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.
20	Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.
21	And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.
22	Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.
23	Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
24	Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.

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The New Testament passage is Acts chapter 14

Acts 14

1	And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
2	But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
3	Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
4	But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
5	And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,
6	They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
7	And there they preached the gospel.
8	And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
9	The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
10	Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
11	And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
12	And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
13	Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
14	Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
15	And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
16	Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
17	Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
18	And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
19	And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
20	Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
21	And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
22	Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
23	And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
24	And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
25	And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
26	And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
27	And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
28	And there they abode long time with the disciples.

Today's REadings and Stuff -- Wednesday, 06 July 2016

 Several days ago, I woke to temperatures down in the 40's.  Today, we hit about 88.  In a few days, the predicted "high" will be 72 degrees.  After that, in the upper 80's for a while.  Never a dull moment.  Expecting storms for the next two days also.  The all-wise weathercasters told us, just a few months ago, that this area should expect MUCH warmer than normal temperatures and almost no rain.  So far, their august prognostications have been, well, less than correct.  To say the least.  For this we are paying high taxes???

We have now two weeks before my retirement check hits.  We have $20 and change to last.  About 3 eggs and 10 slices of bread.  20 pounds of rice though.  And so, we'll get by.  Not by much, but by the grace of God, we will get through.  I have a meeting Saturday noon with the head of a locally-based international missions organization.  Perhaps it will be a useful meeting, but we shall see.

And I am reminded that today is my "little brother" (ok, he's the middle one, I'm the oldest),  but it's his birthday.  Number 61.  He was quite ill as a child, seems to have come through it and made a life for himself, been at the same job for more than 20 years now.  Needed to: his ex-wife stayed with him until the last kid from her first marriage was out of school, then she filed for divorce and she took him for everything.  A couple of the kids stay in touch with him, they're fonder of him, their long-term step-dad than they are of their mother.  An awful situation, but brother seems to handle it, better than I could.

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The Old Testament reading is chapters 33 and 34 from the book of Job.

Job 33

1	Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.
2	Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.
3	My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.
4	The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
5	If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up.
6	Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
7	Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.
8	Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,
9	I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.
10	Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,
11	He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.
12	Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.
13	Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.
14	For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.
15	In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;
16	Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,
17	That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
18	He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
19	He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
20	So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat.
21	His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out.
22	Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
23	If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:
24	Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.
25	His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth:
26	He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.
27	He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;
28	He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.
29	Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man,
30	To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
31	Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.
32	If thou hast anything to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.
33	If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.

Job 34

1	Furthermore Elihu answered and said,
2	Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.
3	For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.
4	Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
5	For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.
6	Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression.
7	What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?
8	Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.
9	For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.
10	Therefore hearken unto me ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.
11	For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.
12	Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
13	Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?
14	If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
15	All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.
16	If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.
17	Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
18	Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
19	How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.
20	In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.
21	For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
22	There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
23	For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.
24	He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.
25	Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
26	He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;
27	Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:
28	So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.
29	When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:
30	That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.
31	Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:
32	That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.
33	Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.
34	Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.
35	Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.
36	My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men.
37	For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.

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The New Testament reading is verses 24-52 in chapter 13 of the Acts.

Acts 13:24-52

24	When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
25	And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
26	Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
27	For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
28	And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
29	And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
30	But God raised him from the dead:
31	And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
32	And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
33	God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
34	And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
35	Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
36	For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
37	But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
38	Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
39	And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
40	Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
41	Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
42	And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
43	Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
44	And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
45	But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
46	Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
47	For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
48	And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
49	And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
50	But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
51	But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
52	And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Today's Readings and Stuff -- Tuesday, 05 July 2016

Sigh.  The holiday weekend is behind us, now to do in our remaining week what we'd ordinarily have more time to use.  Since we -- I certainly -- unfortunately waste a great portion of our allotted hours, that may take more rearrangement and focus than horrid effort.  We shall see.

Dear Wife and I were up at 05:30 feeding cats, showering, etc.  She is to be next door in 30 minutes to "watch" the great-niece.  Niece and nephew-in-law (is there a better term?) and her were "camping" over the weekend, got in after dark and still had to unpack, etc.  Niece is to be AT work at 07:00, he doesn't leave until 07:15.  Short night for them.  Not much longer for us.

I see in the news reports that the ISIS heathens have declared "war" against Indonesia and Malaysia.  Both of those unhappy land have sizeable Muslim populations, so I guess we know from whence the "soldiers" are drawn: their own citizens.  Hints of similar in Philippines.  We've seen, recently at that, similar in the UK, Europe, much of Africa.  Some "great religion of peace", huh?

This will not turn out well.

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The Old Testament reading is chapters 31 and 32 of the book of Job

Job 31

1	I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
2	For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?
3	Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?
4	Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
5	If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;
6	Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know mine integrity.
7	If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;
8	Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.
9	If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;
10	Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.
11	For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.
12	For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction, and would root out all mine increase.
13	If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
14	What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?
15	Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?
16	If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
17	Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;
18	(For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;)
19	If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
20	If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
21	If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
22	Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.
23	For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
24	If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;
25	If I rejoice because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;
26	If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;
27	And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
28	This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.
29	If I rejoice at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:
30	Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.
31	If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.
32	The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller.
33	If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:
34	Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?
35	Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.
36	Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.
37	I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.
38	If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain;
39	If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:
40	Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.

Job 32

1	So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2	Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
3	Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4	Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
5	When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
6	And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
7	I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
8	But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
9	Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
10	Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
11	Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.
12	Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:
13	Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
14	Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15	They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
16	When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
17	I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
18	For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
19	Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
20	I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
21	Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
22	For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

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The New Testament reading is verses 1-23 of Acts 13

Acts 13:1-23

1	Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2	As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
3	And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
4	So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
5	And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
6	And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
7	Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
8	But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
9	Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.
10	And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
11	And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
12	Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
13	Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
14	But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
15	And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
16	Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
17	The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
18	And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
19	And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
20	And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
21	And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
22	And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
23	Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: