The Upper Room Daily Reflections, daily words of wisdom and faith of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Trusting the Greening" for Friday, 29 April 2016

The Upper Room Daily Reflections, daily words of wisdom and faith of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Trusting the Greening" for Friday, 29 April 2016
Today’s Reflection:


ARTISTS WOULD HAVE TROUBLE duplicating the hue of leaves as they first sprout. They appear neon in their brightness and vitality. They shout, “We are alive!”
Hildegard of Bingen, a Benedictine nun and mystical writer in the 1100s, related this vibrant color to the spiritual life, calling it … greening power – God’s life-giving, creative energy, evident in all creation. This creative power of God showers us with refreshment and vitality, giving us the impetus to bear fruit. Without it, we shrivel and wilt.
The same mysterious force that greens the leaves is present in every single one of us – eager to sprout with potential. …
So how can we recognize its stirrings? This kind of sprouting in the soul doesn’t announce itself grandly or appear on a thunderbolt. It whispers, it nudges, it tugs. Be alert for a phrase that quickens your pulse, a thought that won’t go away, a habit that continues to cause uneasiness, a special delight, or a recurrent sadness. …
This mysterious greening power can transform everything that is dull and dead in us. We can trust it.
Reflect[Linda Douty. Rhythms of Growth]
From page 137 of Rhythms of Growth: 365 Meditations to Nurture the Soul by Linda Douty. Copyright © 2014 by Linda Douty. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Meditate slowly with Isaiah 43:18-19: “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” May it be springtime in your own soul as you connect with the greening process of God.
Today’s Scripture:
The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day–and there will be no night there.[Revelation 21:24-25, NRSV]
This Week: pray for bridge builders.-------
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center web site.
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Saints, Inc.:
This week we remember: Mark the Evangelist (April 25).

Mark the Evangelist
April 25
It is widely accepted that this saint, the writer of the first gospel, is John Mark, cousin of Barnabas, and companion of Paul and Barnabas in the book of Acts (Acts 12:12 and 25). Many scholars believe that Mark was also the "young man" who followed Jesus after his arrest:
"A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked."[Mark 14:15-16, NRSV]
The gospel of Mark dates to about A.D. 70. Mark's is the shortest gospel, telling Jesus' story simply and directly. It begins with John the Baptist and ends with the women visiting Jesus' empty tomb.
If St. Mark had taken the Spiritual Types Test he probably would have been a Lover. Mark's feast day is April 25.
(This image of Mark is detail from a statue by Donatello in Florence, 1411.)-------

Lectionary Readings
Sunday, 1 May 2016
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Acts 16:9-15
Psalm 67
Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5
John 14:23-29
Scripture Texts: Acts 16:9-10 That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans.

11-12 Putting out from the harbor at Troas, we made a straight run for Samothrace. The next day we tied up at New City and walked from there to Philippi, the main city in that part of Macedonia and, even more importantly, a Roman colony. We lingered there several days.

13-14 On the Sabbath, we left the city and went down along the river where we had heard there was to be a prayer meeting. We took our place with the women who had gathered there and talked with them. One woman, Lydia, was from Thyatira and a dealer in expensive textiles, known to be a God-fearing woman. As she listened with intensity to what was being said, the Master gave her a trusting heart—and she believed!

15 After she was baptized, along with everyone in her household, she said in a surge of hospitality, “If you’re confident that I’m in this with you and believe in the Master truly, come home with me and be my guests.” We hesitated, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Psalm 67:1-7 God, mark us with grace

    and blessing! Smile!

The whole country will see how you work,

    all the godless nations see how you save.

God! Let people thank and enjoy you.

    Let all people thank and enjoy you.

Let all far-flung people become happy

    and shout their happiness because

You judge them fair and square,

    you tend the far-flung peoples.

God! Let people thank and enjoy you.

    Let all people thank and enjoy you.

Earth, display your exuberance!

    You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.

You mark us with blessing, O God.

    Earth’s four corners—honor him!

Revelation 21: The City of Light

9-12 One of the Seven Angels who had carried the bowls filled with the seven final disasters spoke to me: “Come here. I’ll show you the Bride, the Wife of the Lamb.” He took me away in the Spirit to an enormous, high mountain and showed me Holy Jerusalem descending out of Heaven from God, resplendent in the bright glory of God.

22:1-5 Then the Angel showed me Water-of-Life River, crystal bright. It flowed from the Throne of God and the Lamb, right down the middle of the street. The Tree of Life was planted on each side of the River, producing twelve kinds of fruit, a ripe fruit each month. The leaves of the Tree are for healing the nations. Never again will anything be cursed. The Throne of God and of the Lamb is at the center. His servants will offer God service—worshiping, they’ll look on his face, their foreheads mirroring God. Never again will there be any night. No one will need lamplight or sunlight. The shining of God, the Master, is all the light anyone needs. And they will rule with him age after age after age.

John 14:23-24 “Because a loveless world,” said Jesus, “is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we’ll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn’t mine. It’s the message of the Father who sent me.

25-27 “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.

28 “You’ve heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away, and I’m coming back.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I’m on my way to the Father because the Father is the goal and purpose of my life.

29-31 “I’ve told you this ahead of time, before it happens, so that when it does happen, the confirmation will deepen your belief in me. I’ll not be talking with you much more like this because the chief of this godless world is about to attack. But don’t worry—he has nothing on me, no claim on me. But so the world might know how thoroughly I love the Father, I am carrying out my Father’s instructions right down to the last detail.

“Get up. Let’s go. It’s time to leave here.”

John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for: Acts 16:9-15

Verse 9

[9] And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

A vision appeared to Paul by night — It was not a dream, though it was by night. No other dream is mentioned in the New Testament than that of Joseph and of Pilate's wife.

A man of Macedonia — Probably an angel clothed in the Macedonian habit, or using the language of the country, and representing the inhabitants of it.

Help us — Against Satan, ignorance, and sin.

Verse 10

[10] And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

We sought to go into Macedonia — This is the first place in which St. Luke intimates his attendance on the apostle. And here he does it only in an oblique manner. Nor does he throughout the history once mention his own name, or any one thing which he did or said for the service of Christianity; though Paul speaks of him in the most honourable terms, Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; and probably as the brother whose praise in the Gospel went through all the Churches, 2 Corinthians 8:18. The same remark may be made on the rest of the sacred historians, who every one of them show the like amiable modesty.

Verse 11

[11] Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;

We ran with a straight course — Which increased their confidence that God had called them.

Verse 12

[12] And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.

The first city — Neapolis was the first city they came to in that part of Macedonia which was nearest to Asia: in that part which was farthest from it, Philippi. The river Strymon ran between them. Philippi was a Roman colony.

Verse 13

[13] And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

We went out of the gate — The Jews usually held their religious assemblies (either by choice or constraint) at a distance from the heathens: by a river side - Which was also convenient for purifying themselves.

Where prayer was wont to be made — Though it does not appear there was any house built there.

We spake — At first in a familiar manner. Paul did not immediately begin to preach.

Verse 14

[14] And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

A worshipper of God — Probably acquainted with the prophetic writings whose heart the Lord opened - The Greek word properly refers to the opening of the eyes: and the heart has its eyes, Ephesians 1:18. These are closed by nature and to open them is the peculiar work of God.

Verse 15

[15] And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

She was baptized and her family — Who can believe that in so many families there was no infant? Or that the Jews, who were so long accustomed to circumcise their children, would not now devote them to God by baptism? She entreated us - The souls of the faithful cleave to those by whom they were gained to God.

She constrained us — By her importunity. They did not immediately comply, lest any should imagine they sought their own profit by coining into Macedonia.

Psalm 67

Verse 2

[2] That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.

Thy way — The way of truth, or the true religion; the same which in the next clause is called his saving health, and both together signify the way of salvation; deal so graciously with thy people, that thereby the Gentile-world may at last be allured to join with them.

Verse 4

[4] O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. /*Selah*/.

Judge — Rule them.

Govern — Heb. lead; gently, as a shepherd doth his sheep; and not rule them with rigour, as other lords had done.

Verse 6

[6] Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

Them — When the people of the earth shall be converted to God, God will cause it to yield them abundance of all sorts of fruits. Under which one blessing, all other blessings both temporal and spiritual are comprehended.

Our own — He who is Israel's God in a peculiar manner.

Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5

Verse 10

[10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

And he carried me away in the spirit — The same expression as before, Revelation 17:3.

And showed me the holy city Jerusalem — The old city is now forgotten, so that this is no longer termed the new, but absolutely Jerusalem. O how did St. John long to enter in! but the time was not yet come. Ezekiel also describes "the holy city," and what pertains thereto, xl.-xlviii. Ezekiel 40:1-Eze but a city quite different from the old Jerusalem, as it was either before or after the Babylonish captivity. The descriptions of the prophet and of the apostle agree in many particulars; but in many more they differ. Ezekiel expressly describes the temple, and the worship of God therein, closely alluding to the Levitical service. But St. John saw no temple, and describes the city far more large, glorious, and heavenly than the prophet. Yet that which he describes is the same city; but as it subsisted soon after the destruction of the beast. This being observed, both the prophecies agree together and one may explain the other.

Verse 22
[22] And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

The Lord God and the Lamb are the temple of it — He fills the new heaven and the new earth. He surrounds the city and sanctifies it, and all that are therein. He is "all in all."

Verse 23

[23] And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

The glory of God — Infinitely brighter than the shining of the sun.

Verse 24

[24] And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

And the nations — The whole verse is taken from Isaiah 60:3.

Shall walk by the light thereof — Which throws itself outward from the city far and near.

And the kings of the earth — Those of them who have a part there.

Bring their glory into it — Not their old glory, which is now abolished; but such as becomes the new earth, and receives an immense addition by their entrance into the city.

Verse 26

[26] And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

And they shall bring the glory of the nations into it — It seems, a select part of each nation; that is, all which can contribute to make this city honourable and glorious shall be found in it; as if all that was rich and precious throughout the world was brought into one city.

Verse 27

[27] And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Common — That is. unholy.

But those who are written in the Lamb's book of life — True, holy, persevering believers. This blessedness is enjoyed by those only; and, as such, they are registered among them who are to inherit eternal life.

Verse 1
[1] And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

And he showed me a river of the water of life — The ever fresh and fruitful effluence of the Holy Ghost. See Ezekiel 47:1-12; where also the trees are mentioned which "bear fruit every month," that is, perpetually.

Proceeding out of the throne of God, and of the Lamb — "All that the Father hath," saith the Son of God, "is mine;" even the throne of his glory.

Verse 2

[2] In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

In the midst of the street — Here is the paradise of God, mentioned, Revelation 2:7.

Is the tree of life — Not one tree only, but many.

Every month — That is, in inexpressible abundance. The variety, likewise, as well as the abundance of the fruits of the Spirit, may be intimated thereby.

And the leaves are for the healing of the nations — For the continuing their health, not the restoring it; for no sickness is there.

Verse 3

[3] And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

And there shall be no more curse — But pure life and blessing; every effect of the displeasure of God for sin being now totally removed.

But the throne of God and the Lamb shall be in it — That is, the glorious presence and reign of God.

And his servants — The highest honour in the universe.

Shalt worship him — The noblest employment.

Verse 4

[4] And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

And shall see his face — Which was not granted to Moses. They shall have the nearest access to, and thence the highest resemblance of, him. This is the highest expression in the language of scripture to denote the most perfect happiness of the heavenly state, 1 John 3:2.

And his name shall be on their foreheads — Each of them shall be openly acknowledged as God's own property, and his glorious nature most visibly shine forth in them.

And they shall reign — But who are the subjects of these kings? The other inhabitants of the new earth. For there must needs be an everlasting difference between those who when on earth excelled in virtue, and those comparatively slothful and unprofitable servants, who were just saved as by fire. The kingdom of God is taken by force; but the prize is worth all the labour. Whatever of high, lovely, or excellent is in all the monarchies of the earth is all together not a grain of dust, compared to the glory of the children of God. God "is not ashamed to be called their God, for whom he hath prepared this city." But who shall come up into his holy place? "They who keep his commandments," verse 14. Revelation 22:14

Verse 5

[5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

And they shall reign for ever and ever — What encouragement is this to the patience and faithfulness of the saints, that, whatever their sufferings are, they will work out for them "an eternal weight of glory!" Thus ends the doctrine of this Revelation, in the everlasting happiness of all the faithful. The mysterious ways of Providence are cleared up, and all things issue in an eternal Sabbath, an everlasting state of perfect peace and happiness, reserved for all who endure to the end.

John 14:23-29

Verse 23

[23] Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Jesus answered — Because ye love and obey me, and they do not, therefore I will reveal myself to you, and not to them.

My Father will love him — The more any man loves and obeys, the more God will love him.

And we will come to him, and make our abode with him — Which implies such a large manifestation of the Divine presence and love, that the former in justification is as nothing in comparison of it.

Verse 26

[26] But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

In my name — For my sake, in my room, and as my agent.

He will teach you all things — Necessary for you to know. Here is a clear promise to the apostles, and their successors in the faith, that the Holy Ghost will teach them all that truth which is needful for their salvation.

Verse 27

[27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Peace I leave with you — Peace in general; peace with God and with your own consciences.

My peace — In particular; that peace which I enjoy, and which I create, I give - At this instant.

Not as the world giveth — Unsatisfying unsettled, transient; but filling the soul with constant, even tranquillity. Lord, evermore give us this peace! How serenely may we pass through the most turbulent scenes of life, when all is quiet and harmonious within! Thou hast made peace through the blood of thy cross. May we give all diligence to preserve the inestimable gift inviolate, till it issue in everlasting peace!

Verse 28

[28] Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

God the Father is greater than I — As he was man. As God, neither is greater nor less than the other.

Verse 29

[29] And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

I have told you — Of my going and return.

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Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004, United States

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