The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Daily Devotion for Saturday, 13 June 2015
Today please be in prayer for:
Chapman UMC
Prairie Rivers District
| 
Clarks UMC
Fullerton First UMC
Pierce Chapel UMC
Prairie Rivers District
| 
Sutton Federated Church
Prairie Rivers District
|
The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Daily Devotion for Friday, 12 June 2015
Today please be in prayer for:
Chester UMC
Hebron UMC
Prairie Rivers District
| 
Fairmont Community UMC
Milligan UMC
Prairie Rivers District
| 
Archer Zion UMC
Central City Fairview UMC
Prairie Rivers District
|
The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Daily Devotion for Thursday, 11 June 2015
Today please be in prayer for:
Admire UMC
Allen UMC
Miller UMC
Flint Hills District
| 
Bladen UMC
Blue Hill UMC
Prairie Rivers District
| 
Bruning UMC
Davenport UMC
Prairie Rivers District
|
The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Daily Devotion for Wednesday, 10 June 2015
Today please be in prayer for:
Cottonwood Falls UMC
Elmdale UMC
Strong City UMC
Flint Hills District
| 
White City UMC
Flint Hills District
| 
Wamego UMC
Flint Hills District
|
The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Daily Devotion for Tuesday, 9 June 2015
Today please be in prayer for:
Osage City UMC
Flint Hills District
|
United Church of Eskridge
Flint Hills District
| 
Alma UMC
Paxico/McFarland UMC
Flint Hills District
|
The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Daily Devotion for Monday, 8 June 2015
Today please be in prayer for:
Manhattan: First UMC
Flint Hills District
| 
Junction City: Korean UMC
Flint Hills District
| 
Olsburg UMC
Westmoreland UMC
Flint Hills District
|
The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Daily Devotion for Sunday, 7 June 2015
Today please be in prayer for:
Climax UMC
Piedmont UMC
Flint Hills District
| 
Marysville UMC
Oketo UMC
Flint Hills District
| 
Manhattan: First UMC
Flint Hills District
|
Lectionary Readings:
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Psalm 113
Romans 12:9-16b
Luke 1:39-57
Lectionary Texts:
1 Samuel 2:1 Then Hannah prayed; she said:
“My heart exults in Adonai!
My dignity has been restored by Adonai!
I can gloat over my enemies,
because of my joy at your saving me.
2 “No one is as holy as Adonai,
because there is none to compare with you,
no rock like our God.
3 “Stop your proud boasting!
Don’t let arrogance come from your mouth!
For Adonai is a God of knowledge,
and he appraises actions.
4 The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the feeble are armed with strength.
5 The well-fed hire themselves for bread,
while those who were hungry hunger no more.
The barren woman has borne seven,
while the mother of many wastes away.
6 “Adonai kills and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave, and he brings up.
7 Adonai makes poor, and he makes rich;
he humbles, and he exalts.
8 He raises the poor from the dust,
lifts up the needy from the trash pile;
he gives them a place with leaders
and assigns them seats of honor.
“For the earth’s pillars belong to Adonai;
on them he has placed the world.
9 He will guard the steps of his faithful,
but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
For it is not by strength that a person prevails —
10 those who fight Adonai will be shattered;
he will thunder against them in heaven —
Adonai will judge the ends of the earth.
He will strengthen his king
and enhance the power of his anointed.”
Psalm 113:1 Halleluyah!
Servants of Adonai, give praise!
Give praise to the name of Adonai!
2 Blessed be the name of Adonai
from this moment on and forever!
3 From sunrise until sunset
Adonai’s name is to be praised.
4 Adonai is high above all nations,
his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like Adonai our God,
seated in the heights,
6 humbling himself to look
on heaven and on earth.
7 He raises the poor from the dust,
lifts the needy from the rubbish heap,
8 in order to give him a place among princes,
among the princes of his people.
9 He causes the childless woman
to live at home happily as a mother of children.
Halleluyah!
Romans 12:9 Don’t let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good. 10 Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect. 11 Don’t be lazy when hard work is needed, but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor. 12 Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. 13 Share what you have with God’s people, and practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you — bless them, don’t curse them! 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be sensitive to each other’s needs — don’t think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don’t be conceited.
Luke 1:39 Without delay, Miryam set out and hurried to the town in the hill country of Y’hudah 40 where Z’kharyah lived, entered his house and greeted Elisheva. 41 When Elisheva heard Miryam’s greeting, the baby in her womb stirred. Elisheva was filled with the Ruach HaKodesh 42 and spoke up in a loud voice,
“How blessed are you among women!
And how blessed is the child in your womb!
43 “But who am I, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy! 45 Indeed you are blessed, because you have trusted that the promise Adonai has made to you will be fulfilled.”
46 Then Miryam said,
“My soul magnifies Adonai;
47 and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior,
48 who has taken notice of his servant-girl
in her humble position.[a]
For — imagine it! — from now on, all generations will call me blessed!
49 “The Mighty One has done great things for me!
Indeed, his name is holy; 50 and in every generation
he has mercy on those who fear him.[b]
51 “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm,
routed the secretly proud,
52 brought down rulers from their thrones,
raised up the humble,
53 filled the hungry with good things,
but sent the rich away empty.
54 “He has taken the part of his servant Isra’el,
mindful of the mercy
55 which he promised to our fathers,
to Avraham and his seed forever.”
56 Miryam stayed with Elisheva for about three months and then returned home.
57 The time arrived for Elisheva to have her baby, and she gave birth to a son.[Footnotes:
Luke 1:48 1 Samuel 1:11; 2:1
Luke 1:50 Psalms 103:17; 111:9]
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Psalm 113
Romans 12:9-16b
Luke 1:39-57
Lectionary Texts:
1 Samuel 2:1 Then Hannah prayed; she said:
“My heart exults in Adonai!
My dignity has been restored by Adonai!
I can gloat over my enemies,
because of my joy at your saving me.
2 “No one is as holy as Adonai,
because there is none to compare with you,
no rock like our God.
3 “Stop your proud boasting!
Don’t let arrogance come from your mouth!
For Adonai is a God of knowledge,
and he appraises actions.
4 The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the feeble are armed with strength.
5 The well-fed hire themselves for bread,
while those who were hungry hunger no more.
The barren woman has borne seven,
while the mother of many wastes away.
6 “Adonai kills and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave, and he brings up.
7 Adonai makes poor, and he makes rich;
he humbles, and he exalts.
8 He raises the poor from the dust,
lifts up the needy from the trash pile;
he gives them a place with leaders
and assigns them seats of honor.
“For the earth’s pillars belong to Adonai;
on them he has placed the world.
9 He will guard the steps of his faithful,
but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
For it is not by strength that a person prevails —
10 those who fight Adonai will be shattered;
he will thunder against them in heaven —
Adonai will judge the ends of the earth.
He will strengthen his king
and enhance the power of his anointed.”
Psalm 113:1 Halleluyah!
Servants of Adonai, give praise!
Give praise to the name of Adonai!
2 Blessed be the name of Adonai
from this moment on and forever!
3 From sunrise until sunset
Adonai’s name is to be praised.
4 Adonai is high above all nations,
his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like Adonai our God,
seated in the heights,
6 humbling himself to look
on heaven and on earth.
7 He raises the poor from the dust,
lifts the needy from the rubbish heap,
8 in order to give him a place among princes,
among the princes of his people.
9 He causes the childless woman
to live at home happily as a mother of children.
Halleluyah!
Romans 12:9 Don’t let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good. 10 Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect. 11 Don’t be lazy when hard work is needed, but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor. 12 Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. 13 Share what you have with God’s people, and practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you — bless them, don’t curse them! 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be sensitive to each other’s needs — don’t think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don’t be conceited.
Luke 1:39 Without delay, Miryam set out and hurried to the town in the hill country of Y’hudah 40 where Z’kharyah lived, entered his house and greeted Elisheva. 41 When Elisheva heard Miryam’s greeting, the baby in her womb stirred. Elisheva was filled with the Ruach HaKodesh 42 and spoke up in a loud voice,
“How blessed are you among women!
And how blessed is the child in your womb!
43 “But who am I, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy! 45 Indeed you are blessed, because you have trusted that the promise Adonai has made to you will be fulfilled.”
46 Then Miryam said,
“My soul magnifies Adonai;
47 and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior,
48 who has taken notice of his servant-girl
in her humble position.[a]
For — imagine it! — from now on, all generations will call me blessed!
49 “The Mighty One has done great things for me!
Indeed, his name is holy; 50 and in every generation
he has mercy on those who fear him.[b]
51 “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm,
routed the secretly proud,
52 brought down rulers from their thrones,
raised up the humble,
53 filled the hungry with good things,
but sent the rich away empty.
54 “He has taken the part of his servant Isra’el,
mindful of the mercy
55 which he promised to our fathers,
to Avraham and his seed forever.”
56 Miryam stayed with Elisheva for about three months and then returned home.
57 The time arrived for Elisheva to have her baby, and she gave birth to a son.[Footnotes:
Luke 1:48 1 Samuel 1:11; 2:1
Luke 1:50 Psalms 103:17; 111:9]
John Wesley's Notes-commentary for 1 Samuel 2:1-10
Verse 1
[1] And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
Prayed — That is, praised God; which is a part of prayer.
Rejoiceth — Or, leapeth for joy: for the words note not only inward joy, but also the outward demonstrations of it.
In the Lord — As the author of my joy, that he hath heard my prayer, and accepted my son for his service.
Horn — My strength and glory (which are often signified by an horn,) are advanced and manifested to my vindication, and the confusion of mine enemies.
Mouth enlarged — That is, opened wide to pour forth abundant praises to God, and to give a full answer to all the reproaches of mine adversaries.
Enemies — So she manifests her prudence and modesty, in not naming Peninnah, but only her enemies in the general.
Salvation — Because the matter of my joy is no trivial thing, but that strange and glorious salvation or deliverance which thou hast given me from my oppressing care and grief, and from the insolencies and reproaches of mine enemies.
Verse 2
[2] There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
None holy — None so perfectly, unchangeably and constantly holy.
None beside — Not only none is so holy as thou art, but in truth there is none holy besides thee; namely, entirely, or independently, but only by participation from thee.
Any rock — Thou only art a sure defence and refuge to all that flee to thee.
Verse 3
[3] Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
Talk no more — Thou Peninnah, boast no more of thy numerous off-spring, and speak no more insolently and scornfully of me. She speaks of her in the plural number, because she would not expose her name to censure.
Of knowledge — He knoweth thy heart, and all that pride, and envy, and contempt of me, which thy own conscience knows; and all thy perverse carriage towards me.
Actions — That is, he trieth all mens thoughts and actions, (for the Hebrew word signifies both) as a just judge, to give to every one according to their works.
Verse 4
[4] The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
Bows — The strength of which they boasted.
Stumbled — Or, were weak, or feeble, in body and spirit.
Verse 5
[5] They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
Hired themselves out for bread — It is the same thing which is expressed both in divers metaphors in the foregoing, and following verses.
Ceased — That is, ceased to be hungry.
Seven — That is, many, as seven is often used. She speaks in the prophetick style, the past time, for the future; for though she had actually born but one, yet she had a confident persuasion that she should have more, which was grounded either upon some particular assurance from God; or rather upon the prayer or prediction of Eli.
She — That is, Peninnah.
Feeble — Either because she was now past child-bearing: or, because divers of her children, which were her strength and her glory, were dead, as the Hebrew doctors relate.
Verse 6
[6] The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
Killeth — The same person whom he first killeth, or bringeth nigh unto death, he afterwards raiseth to life. Me, who was almost consumed with grief, he hath revived. The name of death both in sacred scripture, and profane writers, is often given to great Calamities.
Verse 8
[8] He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them.
From the dunghill — From the most sordid place, and mean estate.
Inherit — Not only possess it themselves, but transmit it to their posterity.
Throne — That is, a glorious throne or kingdom.
Pillars — The foundations of the earth, which God created, and upholds, and wherewith he sustains the earth, and all its inhabitants, as a house is supported with pillars; and therefore it is not strange if he disposeth of persons and things therein as he pleaseth.
Verse 9
[9] He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
Feet — That is, the steps or paths, their counsels and actions; he will keep; that is, both uphold, that they may not fall into ruin; and direct and preserve from wandering, and from those fatal errors that wicked men daily run into.
Silent — Shall be put to silence: they who used to open their mouths wide against heaven, and against the saints, shall be so confounded with the unexpected disappointment of all their hopes, and with God's glorious appearance and operations for his people, that they shall have their mouths quite stopped.
Darkness — Both inward, in their own minds, not knowing what to say or do; and outward, in a state of deep distress.
Prevail — Namely, against God, or against his saints, as the wicked were confident they should do, because of their great power, and wealth, and numbers.
Verse 10
[10] The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
Exalt — Increase, or advance the strength.
Of his anointed — Of his king. This may respect Christ, the singular anointed one of God, and the special king of his people. In this sense also, the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth: David's victories and dominions reached far. But God will give to the Son of David, the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. And he will give strength unto his king, for the accomplishing his great undertaking, and exalt the horn, of the power and honour of his anointed, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet.Psalm 113
Verse 6
[6] Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
Humbleth — Who is so high, that it is a wonderful condescention in him to take any notice of his heavenly host, and much more of sinful and miserable men upon earth.
Verse 8
[8] That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
Princes — As he did Joseph, David, and others.
His people — Who in God's account are far more honourable than the princes of Heathen nations.Romans 12:9-16b
Verse 9
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Having spoken of faith and its fruit, Romans 12:3, etc., he comes now to love. The ninth, tenth, and eleventh verses refer to chapter the seventh; the twelfth verse to chapter the eighth; the thirteenth verse, of communicating to the saints, whether Jews or gentiles, to chapter the ninth, etc. Part of the sixteenth verse is repeated from Romans 11:25.
Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good — Both inwardly and outwardly, whatever ill-will or danger may follow.
Verse 10
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
In honour preferring one another — Which you will do, if you habitually consider what is good in others, and what is evil in yourselves.
Verse 11
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Whatsoever ye do, do it with your might. In every business diligently and fervently serving the Lord - Doing all to God, not to man.
Verse 12
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Rejoicing in hope — Of perfect holiness and everlasting happiness. Hitherto of faith and love; now of hope also, see the fifth and eighth chapters; afterwards of duties toward others; saints, Romans 12:13 persecutors, Romans 12:14 friends, strangers, enemies, Romans 12:15, etc.
Verse 13
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Communicate to the necessities of the saints — Relieve all Christians that are in want. It is remarkable, that the apostle, treating expressly of the duties flowing from the communion of saints, yet never says one word about the dead.
Pursue hospitality — Not only embracing those that offer, but seeking opportunities to exercise it.
Verse 14
[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Curse not — No, not in your heart.
Verse 15
[15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Rejoice — The direct opposite to weeping is laughter; but this does not so well suit a Christian.
Verse 16
[16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Mind not high things — Desire not riches, honour, or the company of the great.Luke 1:39-57
Verse 39
[39] And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
A city of Judah — Probably Hebron, which was situated in the hill country of Judea, and belonged to the house of Aaron.
Verse 41
[41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
When Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary — The discourse with which she saluted her, giving an account of what the angel had said, the joy of her soul so affected her body, that the very child in her womb was moved in an uncommon manner, as if it leaped for joy.
Verse 45
[45] And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Happy is she that believed — Probably she had in her mind the unbelief of Zacharias.
Verse 46
[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And Mary said — Under a prophetic impulse, several things, which perhaps she herself did not then fully understand.
Verse 47
[47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour — She seems to turn her thoughts here to Christ himself, who was to be born of her, as the angel had told her, he should be the Son of the Highest, whose name should be Jesus, the Saviour. And she rejoiced in hope of salvation through faith in him, which is a blessing common to all true believers, more than in being his mother after the flesh, which was an honour peculiar to her. And certainly she had the same reason to rejoice in God her Saviour that we have: because he had regarded the low estate of his handmaid, in like manner as he regarded our low estate; and vouchsafed to come and save her and us, when we were reduced to the lowest estate of sin and misery.
Verse 51
[51] He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath wrought strength with his arm — That is, he hath shown the exceeding greatness of his power. She speaks prophetically of those things as already done, which God was about to do by the Messiah.
He hath scattered the proud — Visible and invisible.
Verse 52
[52] He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath put down the mighty — Both angels and men.
Verse 54
[54] He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
He hath helped his servant Israel — By sending the Messiah.
Verse 55
[55] As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
To his seed — His spiritual seed: all true believers.
Verse 56
[56] And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Mary returned to her own house — And thence soon after to Bethlehem.
Verse 1
[1] And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
Prayed — That is, praised God; which is a part of prayer.
Rejoiceth — Or, leapeth for joy: for the words note not only inward joy, but also the outward demonstrations of it.
In the Lord — As the author of my joy, that he hath heard my prayer, and accepted my son for his service.
Horn — My strength and glory (which are often signified by an horn,) are advanced and manifested to my vindication, and the confusion of mine enemies.
Mouth enlarged — That is, opened wide to pour forth abundant praises to God, and to give a full answer to all the reproaches of mine adversaries.
Enemies — So she manifests her prudence and modesty, in not naming Peninnah, but only her enemies in the general.
Salvation — Because the matter of my joy is no trivial thing, but that strange and glorious salvation or deliverance which thou hast given me from my oppressing care and grief, and from the insolencies and reproaches of mine enemies.
Verse 2
[2] There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
None holy — None so perfectly, unchangeably and constantly holy.
None beside — Not only none is so holy as thou art, but in truth there is none holy besides thee; namely, entirely, or independently, but only by participation from thee.
Any rock — Thou only art a sure defence and refuge to all that flee to thee.
Verse 3
[3] Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
Talk no more — Thou Peninnah, boast no more of thy numerous off-spring, and speak no more insolently and scornfully of me. She speaks of her in the plural number, because she would not expose her name to censure.
Of knowledge — He knoweth thy heart, and all that pride, and envy, and contempt of me, which thy own conscience knows; and all thy perverse carriage towards me.
Actions — That is, he trieth all mens thoughts and actions, (for the Hebrew word signifies both) as a just judge, to give to every one according to their works.
Verse 4
[4] The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
Bows — The strength of which they boasted.
Stumbled — Or, were weak, or feeble, in body and spirit.
Verse 5
[5] They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
Hired themselves out for bread — It is the same thing which is expressed both in divers metaphors in the foregoing, and following verses.
Ceased — That is, ceased to be hungry.
Seven — That is, many, as seven is often used. She speaks in the prophetick style, the past time, for the future; for though she had actually born but one, yet she had a confident persuasion that she should have more, which was grounded either upon some particular assurance from God; or rather upon the prayer or prediction of Eli.
She — That is, Peninnah.
Feeble — Either because she was now past child-bearing: or, because divers of her children, which were her strength and her glory, were dead, as the Hebrew doctors relate.
Verse 6
[6] The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
Killeth — The same person whom he first killeth, or bringeth nigh unto death, he afterwards raiseth to life. Me, who was almost consumed with grief, he hath revived. The name of death both in sacred scripture, and profane writers, is often given to great Calamities.
Verse 8
[8] He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them.
From the dunghill — From the most sordid place, and mean estate.
Inherit — Not only possess it themselves, but transmit it to their posterity.
Throne — That is, a glorious throne or kingdom.
Pillars — The foundations of the earth, which God created, and upholds, and wherewith he sustains the earth, and all its inhabitants, as a house is supported with pillars; and therefore it is not strange if he disposeth of persons and things therein as he pleaseth.
Verse 9
[9] He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
Feet — That is, the steps or paths, their counsels and actions; he will keep; that is, both uphold, that they may not fall into ruin; and direct and preserve from wandering, and from those fatal errors that wicked men daily run into.
Silent — Shall be put to silence: they who used to open their mouths wide against heaven, and against the saints, shall be so confounded with the unexpected disappointment of all their hopes, and with God's glorious appearance and operations for his people, that they shall have their mouths quite stopped.
Darkness — Both inward, in their own minds, not knowing what to say or do; and outward, in a state of deep distress.
Prevail — Namely, against God, or against his saints, as the wicked were confident they should do, because of their great power, and wealth, and numbers.
Verse 10
[10] The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
Exalt — Increase, or advance the strength.
Of his anointed — Of his king. This may respect Christ, the singular anointed one of God, and the special king of his people. In this sense also, the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth: David's victories and dominions reached far. But God will give to the Son of David, the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. And he will give strength unto his king, for the accomplishing his great undertaking, and exalt the horn, of the power and honour of his anointed, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet.Psalm 113
Verse 6
[6] Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
Humbleth — Who is so high, that it is a wonderful condescention in him to take any notice of his heavenly host, and much more of sinful and miserable men upon earth.
Verse 8
[8] That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
Princes — As he did Joseph, David, and others.
His people — Who in God's account are far more honourable than the princes of Heathen nations.Romans 12:9-16b
Verse 9
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Having spoken of faith and its fruit, Romans 12:3, etc., he comes now to love. The ninth, tenth, and eleventh verses refer to chapter the seventh; the twelfth verse to chapter the eighth; the thirteenth verse, of communicating to the saints, whether Jews or gentiles, to chapter the ninth, etc. Part of the sixteenth verse is repeated from Romans 11:25.
Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good — Both inwardly and outwardly, whatever ill-will or danger may follow.
Verse 10
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
In honour preferring one another — Which you will do, if you habitually consider what is good in others, and what is evil in yourselves.
Verse 11
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Whatsoever ye do, do it with your might. In every business diligently and fervently serving the Lord - Doing all to God, not to man.
Verse 12
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Rejoicing in hope — Of perfect holiness and everlasting happiness. Hitherto of faith and love; now of hope also, see the fifth and eighth chapters; afterwards of duties toward others; saints, Romans 12:13 persecutors, Romans 12:14 friends, strangers, enemies, Romans 12:15, etc.
Verse 13
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Communicate to the necessities of the saints — Relieve all Christians that are in want. It is remarkable, that the apostle, treating expressly of the duties flowing from the communion of saints, yet never says one word about the dead.
Pursue hospitality — Not only embracing those that offer, but seeking opportunities to exercise it.
Verse 14
[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Curse not — No, not in your heart.
Verse 15
[15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Rejoice — The direct opposite to weeping is laughter; but this does not so well suit a Christian.
Verse 16
[16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Mind not high things — Desire not riches, honour, or the company of the great.Luke 1:39-57
Verse 39
[39] And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
A city of Judah — Probably Hebron, which was situated in the hill country of Judea, and belonged to the house of Aaron.
Verse 41
[41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
When Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary — The discourse with which she saluted her, giving an account of what the angel had said, the joy of her soul so affected her body, that the very child in her womb was moved in an uncommon manner, as if it leaped for joy.
Verse 45
[45] And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Happy is she that believed — Probably she had in her mind the unbelief of Zacharias.
Verse 46
[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And Mary said — Under a prophetic impulse, several things, which perhaps she herself did not then fully understand.
Verse 47
[47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour — She seems to turn her thoughts here to Christ himself, who was to be born of her, as the angel had told her, he should be the Son of the Highest, whose name should be Jesus, the Saviour. And she rejoiced in hope of salvation through faith in him, which is a blessing common to all true believers, more than in being his mother after the flesh, which was an honour peculiar to her. And certainly she had the same reason to rejoice in God her Saviour that we have: because he had regarded the low estate of his handmaid, in like manner as he regarded our low estate; and vouchsafed to come and save her and us, when we were reduced to the lowest estate of sin and misery.
Verse 51
[51] He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath wrought strength with his arm — That is, he hath shown the exceeding greatness of his power. She speaks prophetically of those things as already done, which God was about to do by the Messiah.
He hath scattered the proud — Visible and invisible.
Verse 52
[52] He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath put down the mighty — Both angels and men.
Verse 54
[54] He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
He hath helped his servant Israel — By sending the Messiah.
Verse 55
[55] As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
To his seed — His spiritual seed: all true believers.
Verse 56
[56] And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Mary returned to her own house — And thence soon after to Bethlehem.
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Upper Room Ministries, a ministry of Discipleship Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004 United States
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Sermon Story "Giving Thanks" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 7 June 2015 with Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1 Then Hannah prayed; she said:
“My heart exults in Adonai!
My dignity has been restored by Adonai!
I can gloat over my enemies,
because of my joy at your saving me.
2 “No one is as holy as Adonai,
because there is none to compare with you,
no rock like our God.
3 “Stop your proud boasting!
Don’t let arrogance come from your mouth!
For Adonai is a God of knowledge,
and he appraises actions.
4 The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the feeble are armed with strength.
5 The well-fed hire themselves for bread,
while those who were hungry hunger no more.
The barren woman has borne seven,
while the mother of many wastes away.
6 “Adonai kills and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave, and he brings up.
7 Adonai makes poor, and he makes rich;
he humbles, and he exalts.
8 He raises the poor from the dust,
lifts up the needy from the trash pile;
he gives them a place with leaders
and assigns them seats of honor.
“For the earth’s pillars belong to Adonai;
on them he has placed the world.
9 He will guard the steps of his faithful,
but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
For it is not by strength that a person prevails —
10 those who fight Adonai will be shattered;
he will thunder against them in heaven —
Adonai will judge the ends of the earth.
He will strengthen his king
and enhance the power of his anointed.”
We have here the story of three women who gave thanks for God for what God has given us. The first woman is Hannah who did not have a children and were being ridicule for this until God answered her prayer with the blessing of the Priest, Eli. This woman gave birth to a man, Samuel, who was first nurtured by his mother until he was weaned and then given to God to be raise by the Priest, Eli. Upon the birth of Samuel, hannah remembered to thank God for seeing her distress. We have an old woman, Elizabeth, who god allowed her and her husband to have a son who we know as John the Baptist, but when her relative Mary came to see her, Elizabeth gave thanks and praise to God to see the Mohter of the Savior of Israel and the world from their sin of oppression. We then hear a thnksgiving by Mary for God allowing her to bear the Messsiah and the prophetic word about what her son, Jesus, will do. How do you understand these praises in song by these women? Have you ever song a song of praise in the Spirit of God? How do understand God in using the least to bring hope and peace to the many? There is a reminder here that in our praises and thanksgiving for what God has done, is doing, and will do as we take and eat the body of Jesus and drink His blood through remembering what He did for us in the participation of the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist to receive more of His Grace to pass on to others singing the Hymn "A Mother's Prayer (Hannah's Song)" by Rachel Aldous
Verse:
My sweet baby on loan from above.
No better treasure could I more love.
I stand here beside your bed as I pray
I lay my hand on your head and I say:
Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
All of your days.
May He lead you and guide you
In all of your ways.
May His hand bless your future with
Friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
And not grow up too fast
Verse:
I stare in wonder at your tiny frame.
Just to think that God knows you by name.
He knows every hair on your beautiful head.
He knows your thoughts before they are said.
Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
All of your days
May He lead you and guide you
In all of your ways.
May His Hand bless your future with
Friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
And not grow up too fast.
Prayer:
May God grant you peace
In the midst of a storm.
May God give you strength even
When you’re forlorn.
May you answer the door when
Jesus comes knocking.
May wisdom guide when
Your mouth is talking.
May discretion protect you
And keep you pure.
May you never stumble
Or fall for a lure.
May your heart remain humble
To the very end.
May uprightness and truth
Be what you defend.
May the world not ensnare
Or change who you are.
May the light that's within you
Shine like the stars.
May angels surround you
Body, spirit, mind.
May favor and peace be yours to find.
May rejection and pain
Never reach you.
May your spirit grow bold
For what you’re called to.
Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
All of your days
May He lead you and guide you
In all of your ways
May His Hand bless your future with
Friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
And not grow up too fast.
Singing:
As you rest in God’s care I will rest, too.
Knowing that Jesus is watching over you.
Amen
Hannah speaks: I love you, Mommy…
“My heart exults in Adonai!
My dignity has been restored by Adonai!
I can gloat over my enemies,
because of my joy at your saving me.
2 “No one is as holy as Adonai,
because there is none to compare with you,
no rock like our God.
3 “Stop your proud boasting!
Don’t let arrogance come from your mouth!
For Adonai is a God of knowledge,
and he appraises actions.
4 The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the feeble are armed with strength.
5 The well-fed hire themselves for bread,
while those who were hungry hunger no more.
The barren woman has borne seven,
while the mother of many wastes away.
6 “Adonai kills and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave, and he brings up.
7 Adonai makes poor, and he makes rich;
he humbles, and he exalts.
8 He raises the poor from the dust,
lifts up the needy from the trash pile;
he gives them a place with leaders
and assigns them seats of honor.
“For the earth’s pillars belong to Adonai;
on them he has placed the world.
9 He will guard the steps of his faithful,
but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
For it is not by strength that a person prevails —
10 those who fight Adonai will be shattered;
he will thunder against them in heaven —
Adonai will judge the ends of the earth.
He will strengthen his king
and enhance the power of his anointed.”
We have here the story of three women who gave thanks for God for what God has given us. The first woman is Hannah who did not have a children and were being ridicule for this until God answered her prayer with the blessing of the Priest, Eli. This woman gave birth to a man, Samuel, who was first nurtured by his mother until he was weaned and then given to God to be raise by the Priest, Eli. Upon the birth of Samuel, hannah remembered to thank God for seeing her distress. We have an old woman, Elizabeth, who god allowed her and her husband to have a son who we know as John the Baptist, but when her relative Mary came to see her, Elizabeth gave thanks and praise to God to see the Mohter of the Savior of Israel and the world from their sin of oppression. We then hear a thnksgiving by Mary for God allowing her to bear the Messsiah and the prophetic word about what her son, Jesus, will do. How do you understand these praises in song by these women? Have you ever song a song of praise in the Spirit of God? How do understand God in using the least to bring hope and peace to the many? There is a reminder here that in our praises and thanksgiving for what God has done, is doing, and will do as we take and eat the body of Jesus and drink His blood through remembering what He did for us in the participation of the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist to receive more of His Grace to pass on to others singing the Hymn "A Mother's Prayer (Hannah's Song)" by Rachel Aldous
Verse:
My sweet baby on loan from above.
No better treasure could I more love.
I stand here beside your bed as I pray
I lay my hand on your head and I say:
Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
All of your days.
May He lead you and guide you
In all of your ways.
May His hand bless your future with
Friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
And not grow up too fast
Verse:
I stare in wonder at your tiny frame.
Just to think that God knows you by name.
He knows every hair on your beautiful head.
He knows your thoughts before they are said.
Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
All of your days
May He lead you and guide you
In all of your ways.
May His Hand bless your future with
Friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
And not grow up too fast.
Prayer:
May God grant you peace
In the midst of a storm.
May God give you strength even
When you’re forlorn.
May you answer the door when
Jesus comes knocking.
May wisdom guide when
Your mouth is talking.
May discretion protect you
And keep you pure.
May you never stumble
Or fall for a lure.
May your heart remain humble
To the very end.
May uprightness and truth
Be what you defend.
May the world not ensnare
Or change who you are.
May the light that's within you
Shine like the stars.
May angels surround you
Body, spirit, mind.
May favor and peace be yours to find.
May rejection and pain
Never reach you.
May your spirit grow bold
For what you’re called to.
Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
All of your days
May He lead you and guide you
In all of your ways
May His Hand bless your future with
Friendships that last.
May you cherish your youth
And not grow up too fast.
Singing:
As you rest in God’s care I will rest, too.
Knowing that Jesus is watching over you.
Amen
Hannah speaks: I love you, Mommy…
____________________________
Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Adjusting To Change" for Saturday, 13 June 2015 - Scripture: Isaiah 42:5 Thus says God, Adonai,
who created the heavens and spread them out,
who stretched out the earth and all that grows from it,
who gives breath to the people on it
and spirit to those who walk on it:
6 “I, Adonai, called you righteously,
I took hold of you by the hand,
I shaped you and made you a covenant for the people,
to be a light for the Goyim,
7 so that you can open blind eyes,
free the prisoners from confinement,
those living in darkness from the dungeon.
8 I am Adonai; that is my name.
I yield my glory to no one else,
nor my praise to any idol.
9 See how the former predictions come true;
and now new things do I declare —
before they sprout I tell you about them.”
10 Sing to Adonai a new song!
Let his praise be sung from the ends of the earth
by those sailing the sea and by everything in it,
by the coastlands and those living there.
Paul wrote, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”[Philippians 3:14 (NRSV)]
As our music group, Joyful Noise, began practicing a new song, I could not seem to get the correct rhythm. With a degree in music education, I rarely have problems reading music. Why now? Reading the words, I realized that the new song was actually an old one. In the new version, however, the words were set to a syncopated rhythm rather than the familiar, simple 4/4 beat I had played for years. Even though I could read the music, I kept slipping back into the familiar beat.
This experience reminded me how difficult change can be. Our church is currently experiencing change as our much-loved pastor of eight years assumes responsibility for a new congregation and we prepare to welcome a new pastor. Although we want to hold on to what we know and love, we need to open our hearts to what God has in store for us. In his final sermon to our congregation, our pastor admonished us to press on. We honor him and our Lord as we press on under new leadership.
The only constant any of us has is the promise that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8, NIV). Circumstances may change, but Christ’s message remains the same.
The Author: Pat Watson (Texas, USA)
Thought for the Day: God will lead us through changing seasons.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to release the past and to go forth in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer focus: Churches Facing Change_____________________
Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional "A Father's Pride" for Friday, 12 June 2015 - Scripture: Mark 1:9 Shortly thereafter, Yeshua came from Natzeret in the Galil and was immersed in the Yarden by Yochanan. 10 Immediately upon coming up out of the water, he saw heaven torn open and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove; 11 then a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, whom I love; I am well pleased with you.”
12 Immediately the Spirit drove him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by the Adversary. He was with the wild animals, and the angels took care of him.
The LORD takes delight in his people.[Psalm 149:4 (NIV)]
Even when my dad struggled with alcohol addiction, he made it clear to me that he loved me and was proud of me. Sadly, some people never hear encouraging words from their fathers. They feel a huge void because the one man in the world whom they want to please the most isn’t there for them.
After Jesus was baptized and emerged from the water, he heard a voice from heaven saying, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). Then the Spirit sent him into the wilderness. He didn’t pack anything; he didn’t say goodbye to anyone. All he took with him was his Father’s approval and pride. That was all Jesus needed to endure 40 days of temptation from Satan.
I’m grateful that over time my father achieved sobriety, and we’ve had the opportunity to repair the brokenness that kept us apart. But regardless of our relationships with our earthly fathers, we have a heavenly Father who can fill all the holes in our lives. This heavenly Father knows us, loves us, and is well pleased with us — simply because we are his beloved.
The Author: Justin Farrell (Washington, USA)
Thought for the Day: God’s love is more important than any earthly approval.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for always loving us. Help us to see ourselves through your eyes. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Prayer focus: Children Estranged From Their Fathers
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Life In The Blood" for Thursday, 11 June 2015 - Scripture: Ezekiel 36:25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you,
and you will be clean;
I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness
and from all your idols.
26 I will give you a new heart
and put a new spirit inside you;
I will take the stony heart out of your flesh
and give you a heart of flesh.
27 I will put my Spirit inside you
and cause you to live by my laws,
respect my rulings and obey them.
In Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.[Ephesians 2:13 (NIV)]
A few years ago I worked as a nurse in a cardiology lab. Frequently I participated in certain heart procedures for patients who were close to death because of heart disease. Nothing thrilled me more than to see the miracle of a partially dead heart come back to life when the balloon was inflated to open up a clogged artery.
This sudden rush of blood from the newly opened artery then enters and revives the dead heart muscle with fresh oxygen. That dead muscle, which has been more like a stone than a living organ, becomes flesh and is able to pump blood more effectively to the rest of the patient’s body. In fact, many of those patients would die quickly if their arteries were not reopened.
Seeing lives revived by the introduction of new blood brought to my mind the verse from Leviticus 17:11, “The life of a creature is in the blood . . . it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” Also when I read in Ezekiel how God will remove our “heart of stone” and give us a “heart of flesh,” I envision my own heart as having been dead before I accepted Jesus.
I see now how God’s Spirit infused my own heart of stone with the blood of Jesus, bringing me to everlasting life. My heart is now alive and I have new life, both here on earth and for all eternity with Christ.
The Author: Deanne Ruedemann (Texas, USA)
Thought for the Day: The power of eternal life comes from the blood of Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for reviving our hearts by your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer focus: Cardiovascular Surgeons
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Remember" for Wednesday, 10 June 2015 - Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 Trusting[a] is being confident of what we hope for, convinced about things we do not see. 2 It was for this that Scripture attested the merit of the people of old.
3 By trusting, we understand that the universe was created through a spoken word of God, so that what is seen did not come into being out of existing phenomena.
4 By trusting, Hevel offered a greater sacrifice than Kayin; because of this, he was attested as righteous, with God giving him this testimony on the ground of his gifts. Through having trusted, he still continues to speak, even though he is dead.
5 By trusting, Hanokh was taken away from this life without seeing death — “He was not to be found, because God took him away” — for he has been attested as having been, prior to being taken away, well pleasing to God.[b] 6 And without trusting, it is impossible to be well pleasing to God, because whoever approaches him must trust that he does exist and that he becomes a Rewarder to those who seek him out.
7 By trusting, Noach, after receiving divine warning about things as yet unseen, was filled with holy fear and built an ark to save his household. Through this trusting, he put the world under condemnation and received the righteousness that comes from trusting.
8 By trusting, Avraham obeyed, after being called to go out[c] to a place which God would give him as a possession; indeed, he went out without knowing where he was going. 9 By trusting, he lived as a temporary resident in the Land of the promise, as if it were not his, staying in tents with Yitz’chak and Ya‘akov, who were to receive what was promised along with him. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with permanent foundations, of which the architect and builder is God.
11 By trusting, he received potency to father a child, even when he was past the age for it, as was Sarah herself; because he regarded the One who had made the promise as trustworthy. 12 Therefore this one man, who was virtually dead, fathered descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and as countless as the grains of the sand on the seashore.[d]
13 All these people kept on trusting until they died, without receiving what had been promised. They had only seen it and welcomed it from a distance, while acknowledging that they were aliens and temporary residents on the earth.[e] 14 For people who speak this way make it clear that they are looking for a fatherland. 15 Now if they were to keep recalling the one they left, they would have an opportunity to return; 16 but as it is, they aspire to a better fatherland, a heavenly one. This is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
17 By trusting, Avraham, when he was put to the test, offered up Yitz’chak as a sacrifice. Yes, he offered up his only son, he who had received the promises, 18 to whom it had been said, “What is called your ‘seed’ will be in Yitz’chak.”[f] 19 For he had concluded that God could even raise people from the dead! And, figuratively speaking, he did so receive him.
20 By trusting, Yitz’chak in his blessings over Ya‘akov and Esav made reference to events yet to come.
21 By trusting, Ya‘akov, when he was dying, blessed each of Yosef’s sons, leaning on his walking-stick as he bowed in prayer.[g]
22 By trusting, Yosef, near the end of his life, remembered about the Exodus of the people of Isra’el and gave instructions about what to do with his bones.
23 By trusting, the parents of Moshe hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw that he was a beautiful child,[h] and they weren’t afraid of the king’s decree.
24 By trusting, Moshe, after he had grown up,[i] refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose being mistreated along with God’s people rather than enjoying the passing pleasures of sin. 26 He had come to regard abuse suffered on behalf of the Messiah as greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he kept his eyes fixed on the reward.
27 By trusting, he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered as one who sees the unseen.
28 By trusting, he obeyed the requirements for the Pesach, including the smearing of the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Isra’el.
29 By trusting, they walked through the Red Sea as through dry land; when the Egyptians tried to do it, the sea swallowed them up.
30 By trusting, the walls of Yericho fell down — after the people had marched around them for seven days.
31 By trusting, Rachav the prostitute welcomed the spies and therefore did not die along with those who were disobedient.
32 What more should I say? There isn’t time to tell about Gid‘on, Barak, Shimshon, Yiftach, David, Sh’mu’el and the prophets; 33 who, through trusting, conquered kingdoms, worked righteousness, received what was promised, shut the mouths of lions,[j] 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, had their weakness turned to strength, grew mighty in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead resurrected; other people were stretched on the rack and beaten to death, refusing to be ransomed, so that they would gain a better resurrection. 36 Others underwent the trials of being mocked and whipped, then chained and imprisoned. 37 They were stoned, sawed in two, murdered by the sword; they went about clothed in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, mistreated, 38 wandering about in deserts and mountains, living in caves and holes in the ground! The world was not worthy of them!
39 All of these had their merit attested because of their trusting. Nevertheless, they did not receive what had been promised,[Footnotes:
Hebrews 11:1 Habakkuk 2:4
Hebrews 11:5 Genesis 5:24
Hebrews 11:8 Genesis 12:1
Hebrews 11:12 Genesis 15:5–6; 22:17; 32:13(12); Exodus 32:13; Deuteronomy 1:10; 10:22
Hebrews 11:13 1 Chronicles 29:15
Hebrews 11:18 Genesis 21:12
Hebrews 11:21 Genesis 47:31 (Septuagint)
Hebrews 11:23 Exodus 2:2
Hebrews 11:24 Exodus 2:11
Hebrews 11:33 Daniel 6:23(22)]
The psalmist wrote, “I will call to mind the deeds of the LORD; I will remember your wonders of old.”[Psalm 77:11 (NRSV)]
When I was a child, my family lived with my grandparents and my uncle. My uncle loved to tell family stories. Through his stories I learned that I had my grandfather’s nose, that my great-aunt also loved to write, and my talent for cooking came from my mother’s older sister. I also learned about the big farm where they all lived. Because of my uncle’s storytelling, I began to know who I was and where I came from.
The Bible is like my uncle’s stories. I need to know about my ancestors in the faith, about God’s mighty acts, and about the love that God has for me. Because I am part of the family of God, I need to know who I am and what God’s dreams are for me. I can discover this through the Bible and its stories of the family of God.
I need to spend time with my Bible every day, learning and remembering the stories so that I can live as part of God’s family in the world.
Read more from the author, here."Ancestors in my Faith"
At the present, I am going through a lot of changes, not all of them good. The faith story that is helping me the most right now is the story of Abraham leaving his home to go to a land that God would show him. He didn't know where he was going, and neither do I. He had a very close relationship with God, which is what sustained him through the journey. I too need a close relationship with God, especially when others do not understand what is going on with me. But most of all, Abraham made some BIG mistakes, which I am sure I am doing, but God never gave up on him. Abraham's story is helping me remember who I am before God and to see how to set about my journey. He helps me to remember that I am not wandering in a waste land going in circles like I feel at times, but I am on a journey, directed by God, and in some way moving toward serving God in new ways. Abraham is my family, my ancestor in the faith, just like my aunt (who I write about in my devotional) passed on her love of cooking to me.[Eugenie Daniels]
The Author: Eugenie Daniels (Massachusetts, USA)
Thought for the Day: Remembering our faith stories leads us closer to God.
Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for the stories you have given us. Help us to remember who we are through your stories and to share them with others. Amen.
Prayer focus: My Extended Family Members
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Simple Wonders" for Tuesday, 9 June 2015 - Scripture: Luke 12:22 To his talmidim Yeshua said, “Because of this I tell you, don’t worry about your life — what you will eat or drink; or about your body — what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Think about the ravens! They neither plant nor harvest, they have neither storerooms nor barns, yet God feeds them. You are worth much more than the birds! 25 Can any of you by worrying add an hour to his life? 26 If you can’t do a little thing like that, why worry about the rest? 27 Think about the wild irises, and how they grow. They neither work nor spin thread; yet, I tell you, not even Shlomo in all his glory was clothed as beautifully as one of these. 28 If this is how God clothes grass, which is alive in the field today and thrown in the oven tomorrow, how much more will he clothe you! What little trust you have!
29 “In other words, don’t strive after what you will eat and what you will drink — don’t be anxious. 30 For all the pagan nations in the world set their hearts on these things. Your Father knows that you need them too. 31 Rather, seek his Kingdom; and these things will be given to you as well.
Don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.[Matthew 10:31 (CEB)]
One sunny afternoon, I was thinking about my many problems. Some weeks before, I had sent out job applications with no results. With no more openings available — and constantly aware that all my friends had good careers — I was feeling depressed and stuck. Then I looked around and noticed the works of God’s hand right in front of me. It was a beautiful day. I looked up to see Mount Sindoro, Mount Sumbing, and even Dieng Plateau, so strong and majestic. The golden light of sunset warmed my skin. I heard birds singing, and the cool afternoon breeze made me realize that in spite of my burdens, God had not neglected me. God was delighting me with little surprises, the recognition of simple wonders I see every day but rarely notice. And when I saw all God’s creation in front of me, I remembered that Jesus said, “You are worth so much more than birds!” (Luke 12:24).
God lovingly cares for all creation — birds, flowers, mountains, and especially us. Even though our problems continue, so also does the knowledge that the hand that takes care of birds and flowers is the same hand that takes care of us. I feel very blessed. Problems may come and go, but through it all the providence of God sustains us.
The Author: Yohana Defrita Rufikasari (Central Java, Indonesia)
Thought for the Day: God’s love is revealed in the wonders of nature.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your love that helps us face our problems without worry and fear. Amen.
Prayer focus: Someone Overwhelmed With Problems
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Housecleaning" for Monday, 8 June 2015 - Scripture: Psalm 119: ד (Dalet)25 I lie prostrate in the dust;
revive me, in keeping with your word.
26 I told you of my ways, and you answered me;
teach me your laws.
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wonders.
28 I am melting away from anxiety and grief;
renew my strength, in keeping with your word.
29 Keep deceitful ways far from me,
and favor me with your Torah.
[Jesus] said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.”[Mark 6:31 (NRSV)]
Resting in my chair after a family gathering, I noticed cobwebs between the corner and a beam in my den ceiling. I thought I had cleaned my house well. How did I miss those? I realized that I never took the time to look up. It was only in my resting that I looked up and caught sight of a neglected spot in my home.
In a spiritual sense, when our minds and hearts are consumed with busyness, we miss the places in our lives that need cleaning. With our heads down, trying to organize the clutter of our lives, we think we’re focused on what’s important. In doing so we forget to make time for spiritual rest. As we raise our eyes upward in prayer to give God thanks and praise, we open a line of communication with the One who can provide rest for our souls. During intimate times with God in prayer and Bible reading, God can show us the places in our lives that need attention — a bad habit, a wrong attitude, an unhealthy mindset, an unwillingness to forgive.
By spending time today in spiritual rest, we allow God to reveal the unattended places in our hearts. Then we can examine the way we’re living and let God help us brush away the cobwebs that have appeared from neglect of our spiritual house.
The Author: Beth Fortune (South Carolina, USA)
Thought for the Day: Resting with God gives us a new perspective.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as we rest in you, show us the places in our hearts that we have neglected. Give us courage to clean as you lead. Amen.
Prayer focus Professional Housecleaners
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Endurance" for Sunday, 7 June 2015 - Scripture: Hebrews 12:1 So then, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us, too, put aside every impediment — that is, the sin which easily hampers our forward movement — and keep running with endurance in the contest set before us, 2 looking away to the Initiator and Completer of that trusting,[a] Yeshua — who, in exchange for obtaining the joy set before him, endured execution on a stake as a criminal, scorning the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.[b] 3 Yes, think about him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you won’t grow tired or become despondent. 4 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in the contest against sin.
5 Also you have forgotten the counsel which speaks with you as sons:
“My son, don’t despise the discipline of Adonai
or become despondent when he corrects you.
6 For Adonai disciplines those he loves
and whips everyone he accepts as a son.”[c][Footnotes:
Hebrews 12:2 Habakkuk 2:4
Hebrews 12:2 Psalm 110:1
Hebrews 12:6 Proverbs 3:11–12]
Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.[Hebrews 12:1-2 (NRSV)]
In high school, our cross-country team often practiced running barefoot on the beach. Being inexperienced, we resented our coach for making us train under those conditions. It was miserable and almost impossible to run with any speed. Our time records were downright discouraging. We did, however, develop amazing strength and endurance. Even so, we whined and complained the entire time — until our first race, in which we finished way ahead of the other teams.
The constant fighting and struggling, barefoot, through the soft, shifting sand had forced us to become conscious of every step, to quickly steady our footing, to toughen up, and to push on through the pain and resistance. When the resistance was finally removed, the race was easy, and we were victorious.
Sometimes, we become discouraged when God allows resistance to come into our lives. We whine and complain, thinking that God is allowing those circumstances not in order to tear us down, but instead to build us up. Whenever we are frustrated, we can become stronger if we trust in God’s wisdom, keep pressing forward, and run the race with perseverance.
The Author: Kathy Thomas (Florida, USA)
Thought for the Day: As we persevere to overcome obstacles in our lives, God gives us strength.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your wisdom and faithfulness that strengthen us when we encounter resistance in our lives. Amen.
Prayer focus: That We Will Not Be Discouraged
5 Also you have forgotten the counsel which speaks with you as sons:
“My son, don’t despise the discipline of Adonai
or become despondent when he corrects you.
6 For Adonai disciplines those he loves
and whips everyone he accepts as a son.”[c][Footnotes:
Hebrews 12:2 Habakkuk 2:4
Hebrews 12:2 Psalm 110:1
Hebrews 12:6 Proverbs 3:11–12]
Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.[Hebrews 12:1-2 (NRSV)]
In high school, our cross-country team often practiced running barefoot on the beach. Being inexperienced, we resented our coach for making us train under those conditions. It was miserable and almost impossible to run with any speed. Our time records were downright discouraging. We did, however, develop amazing strength and endurance. Even so, we whined and complained the entire time — until our first race, in which we finished way ahead of the other teams.
The constant fighting and struggling, barefoot, through the soft, shifting sand had forced us to become conscious of every step, to quickly steady our footing, to toughen up, and to push on through the pain and resistance. When the resistance was finally removed, the race was easy, and we were victorious.
Sometimes, we become discouraged when God allows resistance to come into our lives. We whine and complain, thinking that God is allowing those circumstances not in order to tear us down, but instead to build us up. Whenever we are frustrated, we can become stronger if we trust in God’s wisdom, keep pressing forward, and run the race with perseverance.
The Author: Kathy Thomas (Florida, USA)
Thought for the Day: As we persevere to overcome obstacles in our lives, God gives us strength.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your wisdom and faithfulness that strengthen us when we encounter resistance in our lives. Amen.
Prayer focus: That We Will Not Be Discouraged
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Contact Information
Great Plains Episcopal Office
9440 E Boston, Suite 160
Wichita KS 67207
316-686-0600
800-745-2350
info@greatplainsumc.org
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