#whoever is in charge of his face for figs now these days thank you
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
Text
OHHHHH MY GOD NEW ACE FIG WITH HIS CUTE BALLET FLATS I LOVE HIMM
#i love his dainty execution shoes#he is so handsome here too#whoever is in charge of his face for figs now these days thank you#THANK YOU!!!!!
19 notes
·
View notes
Text
November 24, 2019, the most magical day of my life. ❤
Okay! Hard part is over! 😛 I don’t really like being the center of attention and all. You might say it’s the same since everyone will still be looking at us the entire time. But, with the other half, the reception — people are more relaxed. Everyone will be dancing, talking to each other, singing and eating their hearts out! So, less judging and critical eyes on us. 😀
Our Reception was held at Aquila Crystal Palace. It’s about 30 – 40 minutes from our Ceremony. We had time to relax and just talk to each other in the car on the way there. Mind you, we were still with our bride & groom assistants.
To give you a preview – here’s what it looked like. ❤
BUT BUT BUT! Before we get to that, let’s go back to the start. Shall we? While we were taking our post-nup pictorial, we prepared welcome snacks and drinks for our guests!
Our supplier for this Gabrielle’s Appetizer. We prepared 200 mini sandwiches (cucumber & kani, chicken salad, tuna salad, egg & bacon), 150 mini burgers (chicken and beef), 200 crostinis (gorgonzola bacon, goat cheese & fig ham, prosciutto & brie, smoked salmon) and 2 gallons of cucumber lemonade
I’m so happy to be hearing good feedback from our guests! Their favorites? the mini burgers! But before they can eat, they will pass by our Signages!
I’m proud to say that I designed all the layouts, with the help of my husband, of course. ❤ We decided to maintain the theme of our invitation – White Marble is such a classic and classy design. Aside from the welcome signage, I wanted to add a little extra! – An Infographic of our love story. ❤
While others are eating or taking a photo in our photobooth, we also prepared some games before everything starts!
I personally created a Word Search Game with Startbucks GC for their prizes! I devised a personalized puzzle with words that have roles or connected to our relationship. For instance – Management Trainee (we were both Management Trainees in a bank. This is how we met) 😀 Everything is so much more special when it is personalized. Do you agree?
Before they officially enter the reception area, I also insisted that I wanted a signage for their Seating Arrangement:
I’m definitely proud of this! I’m a huge, huge fan of F.R.I.E.N.D.S! I insisted to insert the friends theme in our seating arrangement! The heading is The One Where We got Married (just like how all their titles are worded). ❤ I also named our tables with all the memorable lines / quirks of the series such as Pivot, Big Fat Goalie, How you Doin and etc.
I also asked our host to ask our guests whether they know what theme our seating arrangement is. I prepared a FRIENDS themed prize also, which I bought online (a Friends Door Keychain).
The One thing that will welcome our guests upon entering the place is our Animated Monogram.
At first, I wanted a White Background with Gold font for our names. But our coordinator pointed out that I may not be seen if the background is also white. 😛 So, we decided to switch to Dark Green, still in line with our theme. ❤
Okay! So when we arrived at the scene, it’s time for our make-up retouch and time to fill our stomach with the incredible feast we chose for our guest. ❤ It was really delicious. While we were having our early dinner, there’s another game inside the reception: TRIVIA GAME where we gave out bags of chocolates for every correct answer. Some of the questions were: First movie together, Who said I love you first, Term of Enderament, Favorite Series Marathon food. (Some of the answers to the questions were posted in our Infographic) 😀 Clever. Huh?
Initally, we wanted the Fireworks at the end of the program. But we were also hesitant to schedule it after since it was Sunday and our guests might leave early.
Proven! Guests really do enjoy the fireworks! It also elevates your event! ❤ After the fireworks, guests were asked to return to their seats for the Grand Entrance. 😛
Our Bridal Squad were introduced in the tune of Dura by Daddy Yankee. while our Groom Squad danced to Boneless by Steve Aoki.
As you can see, our male squad is definitely more coordinated with Matt Stefanina dance moves. Hence, they won the challenge of who’s better. 😛
Followed by the entrance of our esteemed entourage, our Prenup / Save the Date Video was shown to all of our guests.
And our Grand Entrance in the tune of Good Life by One Republic, inspired by our Wedding Hashtag of #itsJANNAbeaJUDElife transalated as It’s gonna be a good life.
TIP: Please please be witty enough to think of your own wedding hashtags! One, it’s simply fun. Two, it will encourage your guests to use your hashtag. Three, you’ll have an easier time in collating pictures and videos related to your event if it’s clear that YOU are the only ones using it instead of #JudeandJannaforever or #JudeandJanna2019. Maximize the power of hashtag!
For our Grand Entrance, we decided to use our Indoor Fireworks (which is not shown in the photo) plus this heart shaped confetti free of charge from our Coordinator. ❤
Followed quickly by our entrance, we gave a bit of our opening remarks to our family, friends and loved ones who celebrated with us.
Our first ever dance as a married couple is in the tune of Say you won’t let go by James Arthur. 🙂 This is also the song I was singing to when he proposed. ❤ This song is really special. ❤ Again, there were Indoor Fireworks and confetti as well.
Wedding Traditions followed such as Cake Cutting and Wine Toasting!
Our 3 tier carrot cake is designed with pure white with gold highlights with huge floral appliques. It’s so good! I’m actually sad that we forgot that it was in our ref.
The wine that we toasted is free from our package with Aquila Crystal Palace. If I remember it correctly, it was not hard because I finished it instantly. ❤
My sister, one of the Matrons of Honor started the speech followed by my Brother in law and finally, my Best friend ended the speeches by inviting everyone to offer a toast for our marriage. ❤
After the long speeches, it’s time for the most awaited time of our guests! Dinner time. ❤ The cousins of my groom, Seth and Yohan led the prayer.
While the guests were eating or in line to get their food, some of the music that we chose to be played are the following: The way you look tonight, Collide, The last time, if I ain’t got you, Everything, Perfect and Close to you among others.
Well, you know how this goes already. . . . . before they can even line up to the buffet, they all have to take a picture with us. ❤ Here are some of them.
While eating, another batch of Speeches coming from our Principal Sponsors.
Principal Sponsor speeches! We had to choose one from each of our side. My God mother, sister of my father gave a speech while it was a Family friend from the Groom’s side. After the speeches, a couple of games again — which is the second best game! Minute to Win It – Wedding edition. ❤
So we filmed a one time, one shot games of: Segregate it, Pingpong Ball, Shoot the Ball etc. Each table have to guess who won whether it’s the Bride and the Groom! Everyone turned out to be competitive at this part. ❤
After an interactive game, it’s the Parent Dances!
We decided to dance simultaneously to the tune of You are so Beautiful by Joe Cocker. 😀 I was scaring my dad and reminding him of their speech! 😛 while I think my mother in law is having the best time dancing with his son. ❤
After a bit serious of dances, it’s fuckin time for another game! Another game? We can never miss out on Single’s Game! To get the suspicion out of their minds, our host called them like they are about to receive a prize.
Men are lined up in front – a music is played and whoever dances the right move first gets to seat down! The following music were played – Watch me whip, Soulja Boy, Teach me How to Dougie, Gangnam, Level Up, Stayin Alive, Thriller and Can’t Touch this.
Then whoever doesn’t dance, will remain in front and the ladies will start searching for the safety pin. The lady who doesn’t find a single pin, loses. ❤
The losers of both games, or rather the last man and woman standing wins a Starbucks GC which they can use to go on their ‘date’ – a little matchmaker doesn’t lose its touch on weddings!
It’s my husband’s colleague and one of my closes high school friend! ❤ And after this fun game, our host now calls on both of our parent’s for the wise words.
It’s the Welcome to the Family speech! It’s such a cliche but really overwhelming. It warms your heart, right? I felt really happy to hear it goes both ways. ❤ I have no better way of saying this but it felt really good.
Before the night is over, we prepared some awards to be given to our guests.
Cool Tito Award (right picture) and Fab Tita Award where we award the Best Dressed one – we gave them Wine and a Tefal Pan. ❤ We also awarded Dressed to Kill (Upper Right) for the Best Dressed Millenial and we gave them a 6-pack beers and a Make Up Kit. Lastly, we gave out a Grand Prize (Lower Right) for the best picture and handed them a powerbank.
Then we played our On Site Photo and our Save the Date Video. ❤
Look at our faces!! ❤ Our Photo Team is led by TJ of Timoteo Photo and our SDE was created by Mac by Stories by Supermac! Extremely in awe, hearts bursting with joy and overwhelmed with gratitude and love. ❤
Before our night ends, we said our Thank yous and invited them for a night full of dancing and drinking!
Look at our ceiling treatment filled with an all white embellishments and gold highlights and black draping to make our ceiling pop out! ❤
The night ends as mentioned, with drinking and dancing! ❤ ❤ ❤
Our last picture before our guests go back to Manila! First up, my colleagues!
My brother and his girlfriend before they fled out of the scene. 😛 Haha. Next? Our Wedding Buddies, one week apart and now, we’re all married. ❤
I always come in threes, Don’t I? And Of course, My Bestfriends since High School.
It always put a smile on my face when I see my friends from different groups come together like this. 🙂
And before this day ends, I need a picture with my husband. ❤
I love you so much, husband! ❤ ❤ It’s been five months and it’s still the Best Day of My Life. ❤
EVERYDAY: Our Wedding (Reception) November 24, 2019, the most magical day of my life. ❤ Okay! Hard part is over! 😛 I don't really like being the center of attention and all.
#Animated Monogram#Aquila Crystal Palace#bride & breakfast#fireworks#Gabrielle&039;s Appetizer#marriage#Reception#wedding#Wedding Dances#Wedding Games#Wedding Speeches#Wedding Traditions
1 note
·
View note
Text
When You Hear Your Name
John Sawyer
Bedford Presbyterian Church
11 / 15 / 20
Luke 19:1-10
Psalm 51
“When You Hear Your Name”
(Pathways to Generosity – Part 3)
Have you ever been somewhere, and you think you hear your name being called by someone, and so you look around, excitedly, only to discover that whoever was calling your name wasn’t actually calling for you? There have been times when I might hear someone say, “Hey, John!” and I look around, my heart all aflutter – with a “somebody wants to talk to me?” feeling. And then, I see some other guy, apparently named “John” saying, “Oh, hey!” back to the person who called them in the first place. But there have also been times – and maybe you have experienced this, too – when I have heard my name being called, unexpectedly, and I look around to find that I was actually the person whose name was being called. And, when I have heard my name, and realized that it was my name, I have, in that moment, felt joyful and thankful just to be seen and known.
Now, there are some names that are more common than others, and so, this phenomenon happens to some people more than others. But, let’s say that your name is not quite as common – a name like Zacchaeus, for example. I mean, how many times – other than in today’s story from the Gospel of Luke – do we hear someone say, “Hey, Zacchaeus!”?
For the people of Jericho, the name Zacchaeus did not spark joy. You see, Zacchaeus was a tax collector, the Chief Tax Collector of the region. This position had all sorts of political and religious and social baggage associated with it. Here was Zacchaeus, a local Jewish man who was in charge of collecting taxes for the occupying Roman Empire. Through his job, Zacchaeus was funding the oppressive occupation of his own people. Not only did his neighbors in Jericho consider him to be traitorous, he was also known to take more money from his neighbors than they actually owed the government and then pocket the difference. Imagine someone else getting your tax refund year after year after year. This made Zacchaeus very rich – likely, one of the richest men in Jericho – but it was wealth built on a foundation of dishonesty. Perhaps, for Zacchaeus, all of that money took the edge off the fact that people disliked him. But, money can’t buy everything you truly need.
In today’s story, we find Jesus passing through Zacchaeus’ town, on his way to Jerusalem. As has been the case for Jesus for months now, wherever he goes, he draws a crowd of people. “Hey John,” you might be wondering, “what is a crowd of people?” Well, friends, before the Covid-19 pandemic, there used to be these things called “crowds” where people could gather together by the hundreds, the thousands, and nobody had to worry too much about spreading a virus. Anyway, as Jesus arrives in Jericho, one of the most ancient cities in the world – a place where crops are brought to market, oil and spices are traded, and where palm and fruit trees grow along the road – crowds of people from the city come out to greet him. And Zacchaeus joins the crowd, too.
As the text tells us, Zacchaeus “is trying to see who Jesus is.” (Luke 19:3) In the original language, Zacchaeus could just be trying to figure out which person in the crowd Jesus might be. But, he also could be trying to figure out “what sort of a person”[1] this Jesus might be. Is he really the prophet, the teacher, the healer that people have been talking about? Or, is he just some man with a crowd of people around him, going from town to town? Something – maybe curiosity, maybe something else – is drawing Zacchaeus toward Jesus.
When John Calvin writes about Zacchaeus going in search of Jesus, he says that there is clearly something holy at work:
Some were led, no doubt, by vain curiosity to run even from distant places, for the purpose of seeing Christ, but the event showed that the mind of Zacchaeus contained some seed of piety. In this manner, before revealing himself to [us], the Lord frequently communicates. . . a secret desire, by which [we] are led to him, while he is still concealed and unknown; and, though [we] have no fixed object in view, he does not disappoint [us], but manifests himself in due time.[2]
In other words, the Holy Spirit is already at work in our minds and hearts, and in Zacchaeus’ mind and heart – pulling him toward Jesus through the crowd. But Zacchaeus has a problem. When he joins the crowd to try to see who Jesus is, all Zacchaeus can see are the backs and shoulders of everyone else. Zacchaeus is vertically challenged – he is short. He can’t see through the crowd and definitely can’t see over them. But, Zacchaeus, who has always proved to be resourceful in the ways he has made his fortune, comes up with a resourceful idea for how to see Jesus.
And so, as the story goes, Zacchaeus runs ahead of the crowd and climbs a sycamore tree – which is a fig tree that has large branches and big leaves. According to one Bible scholar, the sycamore tree was often the source of food for people who did not have money to buy food.[3] So, here is this rich man – Zacchaeus – hanging out in the branches of a tree where poor people – maybe even some of the people Zacchaeus has robbed over the years – might congregate. And, now that he is sitting there in the branches of the tree, the crowd of people arrives with Jesus. Imagine, if you will, being in the middle of a crowd where everyone is calling your name and wants to see you and talk with you, everyone wants to hear what you have to say and have you listen to them and their needs. This is where Jesus finds himself. And yet, somehow, in all of the confusion of the crowd – in the sea of needy and excited faces that surrounds him – Jesus looks up into a tree growing by the side of the road, and sees someone there among the branches. “Zacchaeus,” he says, “hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:5)
Just so you know, we are not told how it is that Jesus knows Zacchaeus’ name. Maybe he has heard it among the people in the crowd – a name muttered, under-the-breath, with great derision. Maybe his disciples or the local synagogue leaders have clued him into the influential people in Jericho and/or the people who are causing problems for everyone else. But maybe, as Calvin suggests, there is something deeper and holier going on, here. . . Maybe, when it comes to Zacchaeus, Jesus just knows – knows his name and everything about him.
It sure seems like Jesus does know, because he up and invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house. So, Zacchaeus climbs down from the tree, and moves through the hostile crowd, filled with the neighbors that he has wronged, and he is happy to welcome Jesus into his home. This does not please the people, though, who all grumble and say, “Jesus is going to be the guest of one who is a sinner – the guest of a traitor, a thief, a man who uses the power of the empire against us.”
You know, there are those who believe that politics should be kept out of the pulpit, but it should be noted, here, that Jesus is neck deep in the politics of his day. The grace and welcome that Jesus shows Zacchaeus is enough to upset both the religious right who are all about purity, and the radical left who are all about justice, and everyone in the middle who just don’t like Zacchaeus for taking their money. Nobody likes Zacchaeus. . . Nobody, except Jesus. . . And Jesus lovesZacchaeus.
I don’t know if anyone else in the crowd sees the great love that Jesus has for Zacchaeus – a love that looks beyond his faults and his sins, a love that only sees the goodness that God has planted at the heart of every person. But Zacchaeus catches a glimpse of this love, and suddenly – standing in the middle of the angry crowd in front of the only person who loves him – the Holy Spirit does something to him. The grace of God breaks Zacchaeus’ heart open to reveal the love and goodness of God that have been there all along. “Look, Jesus,” he says, “half of my possessions, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much – way more than what the old laws of Moses say I should.”[4] Zacchaeus has heard Jesus call him by name – he has heard Jesus welcoming himself into Zacchaeus’ life and home and heart. And in this moment of extravagant grace, of being recognized and called by name – filled with the thrill of being seen and known and loved – Zacchaeus’ first response is extravagant generosity.
There is this passage in the Book of Isaiah, in which the Lord speaks to people whose lives are full of challenge, and grief, and pain – and God says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1) “Do not be afraid, for I have liberated you from whatever was binding you – whatever was harming you, whatever was holding you back from fully loving me. I have claimed you and called you by your name. . . Your name. . . You belong to me.” This is what Jesus is saying to Zacchaeus. This is what Jesus is also saying to us.
The question is, how do we respond to this extravagant grace? Just like it always was for Zacchaeus, the potential for good is always there – beneath the surface – present in our hearts and minds and souls. But it is the love of God that breaks us open to reveal the good. It is in coming to know that we are deeply loved by the One who created us, the One who frees us, the One who sustains our every breath, that draws us deeper into a life that is lived, not for ourselves, but for God. . . and for others. This is the life of discipleship – the life of saying “Yes” to the One who has given us all things.
Whether we know it or not, there is always something holy that is drawing us toward Jesus. And, in this season of Stewardship, as we reflect on what God has given us, and what kind of disciples God is calling us to be, there is always room for more, on our part – more growth, more trust, more generosity, more openness to God’s grace, more room for Jesus. Jesus is always inviting himself over into our lives and into our hearts. He is always calling us by name.
How many times in your life have you heard someone say your name? Ten thousand times? Hundreds of thousands of times? A million times? Most of these times, I’d guess, have been fairly routine. But I am sure that there are some times when you have heard your name and it has meant more – when your name is said and has been filled with all of the fullness of love that is possible. This is how Jesus is saying your name in every moment of your life.
How will you respond when you hear your name?
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
-------
[1] Walter Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979) 819.
[2] John Calvin, Calvin’s Commentaries – Vol. XVI – Harmony of Matthew, Mark, and Luke (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2009) 434.
[3] Watson E. Mills, et. al, Mercer Dictionary of the Bible (Macon: Mercer University Press, 1990) 979. Norm Yance, “Zacchaeus”.
[4] See Leviticus 6, Numbers 5, and Exodus 22. Paraphrased – JHS.
0 notes
Text
Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms
for Sunday, december 27 of 2020 with Proverbs 27 and Psalm 27, accompanied by Psalm 7 for the 7th day of Winter, and Psalm 62 for day 362 of the year (now with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 3rd revolution this year)
[Psalm 27]
A David Psalm
Light, space, zest—
that’s God!
So, with him on my side I’m fearless,
afraid of no one and nothing.
When vandal hordes ride down
ready to eat me alive,
Those bullies and toughs
fall flat on their faces.
When besieged,
I’m calm as a baby.
When all hell breaks loose,
I’m collected and cool.
I’m asking God for one thing,
only one thing:
To live with him in his house
my whole life long.
I’ll contemplate his beauty;
I’ll study at his feet.
That’s the only quiet, secure place
in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway,
far from the buzz of traffic.
God holds me head and shoulders
above all who try to pull me down.
I’m headed for his place to offer anthems
that will raise the roof!
Already I’m singing God-songs;
I’m making music to God.
Listen, God, I’m calling at the top of my lungs:
“Be good to me! Answer me!”
When my heart whispered, “Seek God,”
my whole being replied,
“I’m seeking him!”
Don’t hide from me now!
You’ve always been right there for me;
don’t turn your back on me now.
Don’t throw me out, don’t abandon me;
you’ve always kept the door open.
My father and mother walked out and left me,
but God took me in.
Point me down your highway, God;
direct me along a well-lighted street;
show my enemies whose side you’re on.
Don’t throw me to the dogs,
those liars who are out to get me,
filling the air with their threats.
I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness
in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
Take heart. Don’t quit.
I’ll say it again:
Stay with God.
The Book of Psalms, Poem 27 (The Message)
[Psalm 7]
A David Psalm
God! God! I am running to you for dear life;
the chase is wild.
If they catch me, I’m finished:
ripped to shreds by foes fierce as lions,
dragged into the forest and left
unlooked for, unremembered.
God, if I’ve done what they say—
betrayed my friends,
ripped off my enemies—
If my hands are really that dirty,
let them get me, walk all over me,
leave me flat on my face in the dirt.
Stand up, God; pit your holy fury
against my furious enemies.
Wake up, God. My accusers have packed
the courtroom; it’s judgment time.
Take your place on the bench, reach for your gavel,
throw out the false charges against me.
I’m ready, confident in your verdict:
“Innocent.”
Close the book on Evil, God,
but publish your mandate for us.
You get us ready for life:
you probe for our soft spots,
you knock off our rough edges.
And I’m feeling so fit, so safe:
made right, kept right.
God in solemn honor does things right,
but his nerves are sandpapered raw.
Nobody gets by with anything.
God is already in action—
Sword honed on his whetstone,
bow strung, arrow on the string,
Lethal weapons in hand,
each arrow a flaming missile.
Look at that guy!
He had sex with sin,
he’s pregnant with evil.
Oh, look! He’s having
the baby—a Lie-Baby!
See that man shoveling day after day,
digging, then concealing, his man-trap
down that lonely stretch of road?
Go back and look again—you’ll see him in it headfirst,
legs waving in the breeze.
That’s what happens:
mischief backfires;
violence boomerangs.
I’m thanking God, who makes things right.
I’m singing the fame of heaven-high God.
The Book of Psalms, Poem 7 (The Message)
[Psalm 62]
Unshakable Faith
To the Pure and Shining One
King David’s melody of love’s celebration
I stand silently to listen for the one I love,
waiting as long as it takes for the Lord to rescue me.
For God alone has become my Savior.
He alone is my safe place;
his wrap-around presence always protects me.
For he is my champion defender;
there’s no risk of failure with God.
So why would I let worry paralyze me,
even when troubles multiply around me?
But look at these who want me dead,
shouting their vicious threats at me!
The moment they discover my weakness
they all begin plotting to take me down.
Liars, hypocrites, with nothing good to say.
All of their energies are spent
on moving me from this exalted place.
Pause in his presence
I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the one I love,
waiting as long as it takes for him to rescue me.
Only God is my Savior, and he will not fail me.
For he alone is my safe place.
His wrap-around presence always protects me
as my champion defender.
There’s no risk of failure with God!
So why would I let worry paralyze me,
even when troubles multiply around me?
God’s glory is all around me!
His wrap-around presence is all I need,
for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength.
Join me, everyone! Trust only in God every moment!
Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to him.
Believe me when I tell you—he will help you!
Pause in his presence
Before God all the people of the earth, high or low,
are like smoke that disappears,
like a vapor that quickly vanishes away.
Compared to God they’re nothing but vanity, nothing at all!
The wealth of the world is nothing to God.
So if your wealth increases, don’t be boastful or
put your trust in your money.
And don’t you think for a moment that
you can get away with stealing by overcharging others
just to get more for yourself!
God said to me once and for all,
“All the strength and power you need flows from me!”
And again I heard it clearly said,
“All the love you need is found in me!”
And it’s true that you repay people for what they do.
The Book of Psalms, Poem 62 (The Passion Translation)
[Proverbs 27]
Don’t brag about what may happen tomorrow
because you have no idea what it will bring.
Let someone else praise you;
compliments are always sweeter from a stranger’s lips than from your own.
Heavy is rock and weighty is sand,
but more burdensome than either is the anger of a fool.
Wrath is fierce and anger is a tidal wave of fury,
but who of us can stand up against jealousy?
Open rebuke is better
than hidden love.
Wounds inflicted by the correction of a friend prove he is faithful;
the abundant kisses of an enemy show his lies.
The person who is full has no interest in honey;
but to the starving, bitterness itself is sweet.
Like a bird that strays far from its nest,
so is a person who forsakes his own home.
The heart is delighted by the fragrance of oil and sweet perfumes,
and in just the same way, the soul is sweetened by the wise counsel of a friend.
Do not neglect your friend or your parent’s friend for that matter.
When hard times come, you don’t have to travel far to get help from family;
A neighbor who is near is better
than a brother who is far away.
Study to be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
for then your life will be my answer to anyone who hurls insults.
The astute see evil coming and take shelter,
but the stupid plow right on and then, of course, have to pay the price.
If someone guarantees a stranger’s debt, hold his garment as collateral;
if that guarantee is for the debt of a foreigner, make sure you get a deposit.
Anyone who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice
early in the morning,
will find his blessing regarded as a curse.
A constant dripping on a rainy day
and a wife’s bickering are very much alike:
Anyone who tries to control her might as well try to control the wind
or pick up oil in his right hand.
In the same way that iron sharpens iron,
a person sharpens the character of his friend.
Whoever takes care of a fig tree will eat of its fruit,
and whoever cares for his master will be honored.
Just as water reflects a person’s true face,
so the human heart reflects a person’s true character.
Neither the grave nor destruction is ever satisfied;
the desires of people are never totally fulfilled.
The crucible is used for refining silver, the furnace for gold,
but praise is what tests a person’s mettle.
Though you grind a fool like grain
in a mortar with a pestle,
still his foolishness will not be separated from him.
Pay careful attention to your flocks,
and see to the welfare of your herds
Because riches do not last forever,
nor does one dynasty retain power through all generations.
When the hay is harvested and the autumn grasses begin to grow
and the herbs of the mountains are gathered,
Then the lambs will provide wool for your clothing,
young goats can be sold to buy a new field,
And there will be enough milk from your goats
to sustain you, your family, and your serving girls.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 27 (The Voice)
0 notes
Text
Today’s reading in the ancient book of Psalms and Proverbs
for friday, march 27 of 2020 with Psalm 27 and Proverbs 27, accompanied by Psalm 9 for the 9th day of Spring and Psalm 87 for day 87 of the year
beginning with the lines of a Psalm about silencing the traffic noise:
[Psalm 27]
A David Psalm
Light, space, zest—
that’s God!
So, with him on my side I’m fearless,
afraid of no one and nothing.
When vandal hordes ride down
ready to eat me alive,
Those bullies and toughs
fall flat on their faces.
When besieged,
I’m calm as a baby.
When all hell breaks loose,
I’m collected and cool.
I’m asking God for one thing,
only one thing:
To live with him in his house
my whole life long.
I’ll contemplate his beauty;
I’ll study at his feet.
That’s the only quiet, secure place
in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway,
far from the buzz of traffic.
God holds me head and shoulders
above all who try to pull me down.
I’m headed for his place to offer anthems
that will raise the roof!
Already I’m singing God-songs;
I’m making music to God.
Listen, God, I’m calling at the top of my lungs:
“Be good to me! Answer me!”
When my heart whispered, “Seek God,”
my whole being replied,
“I’m seeking him!”
Don’t hide from me now!
You’ve always been right there for me;
don’t turn your back on me now.
Don’t throw me out, don’t abandon me;
you’ve always kept the door open.
My father and mother walked out and left me,
but God took me in.
Point me down your highway, God;
direct me along a well-lighted street;
show my enemies whose side you’re on.
Don’t throw me to the dogs,
those liars who are out to get me,
filling the air with their threats.
I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness
in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
Take heart. Don’t quit.
I’ll say it again:
Stay with God.
The Book of Psalms, Poem 27 (The Message)
[Psalm 9]
A David Psalm
I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart,
I’m writing the book on your wonders.
I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy;
I’m singing your song, High God.
The day my enemies turned tail and ran,
they stumbled on you and fell on their faces.
You took over and set everything right;
when I needed you, you were there, taking charge.
You blow the whistle on godless nations;
you throw dirty players out of the game,
wipe their names right off the roster.
Enemies disappear from the sidelines,
their reputation trashed,
their names erased from the halls of fame.
God holds the high center,
he sees and sets the world’s mess right.
He decides what is right for us earthlings,
gives people their just deserts.
God’s a safe-house for the battered,
a sanctuary during bad times.
The moment you arrive, you relax;
you’re never sorry you knocked.
Sing your songs to Zion-dwelling God,
tell his stories to everyone you meet:
How he tracks down killers
yet keeps his eye on us,
registers every whimper and moan.
Be kind to me, God;
I’ve been kicked around long enough.
Once you’ve pulled me back
from the gates of death,
I’ll write the book on Hallelujahs;
on the corner of Main and First
I’ll hold a street meeting;
I’ll be the song leader; we’ll fill the air
with salvation songs.
They’re trapped, those godless countries,
in the very snares they set,
Their feet all tangled
in the net they spread.
They have no excuse;
the way God works is well-known.
The cunning machinery made by the wicked
has maimed their own hands.
The wicked bought a one-way
ticket to hell.
No longer will the poor be nameless—
no more humiliation for the humble.
Up, God! Aren’t you fed up with their empty strutting?
Expose these grand pretensions!
Shake them up, God!
Show them how silly they look.
The Book of Psalms, Poem 9 (The Message)
[Psalm 87]
A Korah Psalm
He founded Zion on the Holy Mountain—
and oh, how God loves his home!
Loves it far better than all
the homes of Jacob put together!
God’s hometown—oh!
everyone there is talking about you!
I name them off, those among whom I’m famous:
Egypt and Babylon,
also Philistia,
even Tyre, along with Cush.
Word’s getting around; they point them out:
“This one was born again here!”
The word’s getting out on Zion:
“Men and women, right and left,
get born again in her!”
God registers their names in his book:
“This one, this one, and this one—
born again, right here.”
Singers and dancers give credit to Zion:
“All my springs are in you!”
The Book of Psalms, Poem 87 (The Message)
to be concluded by the 27 verses of chapter 27 in the book of Proverbs:
Don’t brag about what may happen tomorrow
because you have no idea what it will bring.
Let someone else praise you;
compliments are always sweeter from a stranger’s lips than from your own.
Heavy is rock and weighty is sand,
but more burdensome than either is the anger of a fool.
Wrath is fierce and anger is a tidal wave of fury,
but who of us can stand up against jealousy?
Open rebuke is better
than hidden love.
Wounds inflicted by the correction of a friend prove he is faithful;
the abundant kisses of an enemy show his lies.
The person who is full has no interest in honey;
but to the starving, bitterness itself is sweet.
Like a bird that strays far from its nest,
so is a person who forsakes his own home.
The heart is delighted by the fragrance of oil and sweet perfumes,
and in just the same way, the soul is sweetened by the wise counsel of a friend.
Do not neglect your friend or your parent’s friend for that matter.
When hard times come, you don’t have to travel far to get help from family;
A neighbor who is near is better
than a brother who is far away.
Study to be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
for then your life will be my answer to anyone who hurls insults.
The astute see evil coming and take shelter,
but the stupid plow right on and then, of course, have to pay the price.
If someone guarantees a stranger’s debt, hold his garment as collateral;
if that guarantee is for the debt of a foreigner, make sure you get a deposit.
Anyone who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice
early in the morning,
will find his blessing regarded as a curse.
A constant dripping on a rainy day
and a wife’s bickering are very much alike:
Anyone who tries to control her might as well try to control the wind
or pick up oil in his right hand.
In the same way that iron sharpens iron,
a person sharpens the character of his friend.
Whoever takes care of a fig tree will eat of its fruit,
and whoever cares for his master will be honored.
Just as water reflects a person’s true face,
so the human heart reflects a person’s true character.
Neither the grave nor destruction is ever satisfied;
the desires of people are never totally fulfilled.
The crucible is used for refining silver, the furnace for gold,
but praise is what tests a person’s mettle.
Though you grind a fool like grain
in a mortar with a pestle,
still his foolishness will not be separated from him.
Pay careful attention to your flocks,
and see to the welfare of your herds
Because riches do not last forever,
nor does one dynasty retain power through all generations.
When the hay is harvested and the autumn grasses begin to grow
and the herbs of the mountains are gathered,
Then the lambs will provide wool for your clothing,
young goats can be sold to buy a new field,
And there will be enough milk from your goats
to sustain you, your family, and your serving girls.
The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 27 (The Voice)
0 notes
Text
Daily Office Readings November 20, 2019 at 11:00PM
Psalm 105
Psalm 105
God’s Faithfulness to Israel
1 O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works. 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. 5 Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he has uttered, 6 O offspring of his servant Abraham,[a] children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
7 He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 8 He is mindful of his covenant forever, of the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, 9 the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac, 10 which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, 11 saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance.”
12 When they were few in number, of little account, and strangers in it, 13 wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, 14 he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, 15 saying, “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”
16 When he summoned famine against the land, and broke every staff of bread, 17 he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. 18 His feet were hurt with fetters, his neck was put in a collar of iron; 19 until what he had said came to pass, the word of the Lord kept testing him. 20 The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free. 21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions, 22 to instruct[b] his officials at his pleasure, and to teach his elders wisdom.
23 Then Israel came to Egypt; Jacob lived as an alien in the land of Ham. 24 And the Lord made his people very fruitful, and made them stronger than their foes, 25 whose hearts he then turned to hate his people, to deal craftily with his servants.
26 He sent his servant Moses, and Aaron whom he had chosen. 27 They performed his signs among them, and miracles in the land of Ham. 28 He sent darkness, and made the land dark; they rebelled[c] against his words. 29 He turned their waters into blood, and caused their fish to die. 30 Their land swarmed with frogs, even in the chambers of their kings. 31 He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and gnats throughout their country. 32 He gave them hail for rain, and lightning that flashed through their land. 33 He struck their vines and fig trees, and shattered the trees of their country. 34 He spoke, and the locusts came, and young locusts without number; 35 they devoured all the vegetation in their land, and ate up the fruit of their ground. 36 He struck down all the firstborn in their land, the first issue of all their strength.
37 Then he brought Israel[d] out with silver and gold, and there was no one among their tribes who stumbled. 38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for dread of them had fallen upon it. 39 He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by night. 40 They asked, and he brought quails, and gave them food from heaven in abundance. 41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river. 42 For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant.
43 So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing. 44 He gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples, 45 that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the Lord!
Footnotes:
Psalm 105:6 Another reading is Israel (compare 1 Chr 16.13)
Psalm 105:22 Gk Syr Jerome: Heb to bind
Psalm 105:28 Cn Compare Gk Syr: Heb they did not rebel
Psalm 105:37 Heb them
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
1 Maccabees 4:1-25
The Battle at Emmaus
4 Now Gorgias took five thousand infantry and one thousand picked cavalry, and this division moved out by night 2 to fall upon the camp of the Jews and attack them suddenly. Men from the citadel were his guides. 3 But Judas heard of it, and he and his warriors moved out to attack the king’s force in Emmaus 4 while the division was still absent from the camp. 5 When Gorgias entered the camp of Judas by night, he found no one there, so he looked for them in the hills, because he said, “These men are running away from us.”
6 At daybreak Judas appeared in the plain with three thousand men, but they did not have armor and swords such as they desired. 7 And they saw the camp of the Gentiles, strong and fortified, with cavalry all around it; and these men were trained in war. 8 But Judas said to those who were with him, “Do not fear their numbers or be afraid when they charge. 9 Remember how our ancestors were saved at the Red Sea, when Pharaoh with his forces pursued them. 10 And now, let us cry to Heaven, to see whether he will favor us and remember his covenant with our ancestors and crush this army before us today. 11 Then all the Gentiles will know that there is one who redeems and saves Israel.”
12 When the foreigners looked up and saw them coming against them, 13 they went out from their camp to battle. Then the men with Judas blew their trumpets 14 and engaged in battle. The Gentiles were crushed, and fled into the plain, 15 and all those in the rear fell by the sword. They pursued them to Gazara, and to the plains of Idumea, and to Azotus and Jamnia; and three thousand of them fell. 16 Then Judas and his force turned back from pursuing them, 17 and he said to the people, “Do not be greedy for plunder, for there is a battle before us; 18 Gorgias and his force are near us in the hills. But stand now against our enemies and fight them, and afterward seize the plunder boldly.”
19 Just as Judas was finishing this speech, a detachment appeared, coming out of the hills. 20 They saw that their army[a] had been put to flight, and that the Jews[b] were burning the camp, for the smoke that was seen showed what had happened. 21 When they perceived this, they were greatly frightened, and when they also saw the army of Judas drawn up in the plain for battle, 22 they all fled into the land of the Philistines. 23 Then Judas returned to plunder the camp, and they seized a great amount of gold and silver, and cloth dyed blue and sea purple, and great riches. 24 On their return they sang hymns and praises to Heaven—“For he is good, for his mercy endures forever.” 25 Thus Israel had a great deliverance that day.
Footnotes:
1 Maccabees 4:20 Gk they
1 Maccabees 4:20 Gk they
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Revelation 21:22-22:5
22 I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25 Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
The River of Life
22 Then the angel[a] showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life[b] with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants[c] will worship him; 4 they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
Footnotes:
Revelation 22:1 Gk he
Revelation 22:2 Or the Lamb. 2 In the middle of the street of the city, and on either side of the river, is the tree of life
Revelation 22:3 Gk slaves
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Matthew 18:1-9
True Greatness
18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a child, whom he put among them, 3 and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Temptations to Sin
6 “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!
8 “If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell[a] of fire.
Footnotes:
Matthew 18:9 Gk Gehenna
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
0 notes
Text
Daily Office Readings May 10, 2019
Psalm 105
Psalm 105
God’s Faithfulness to Israel
1 O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works. 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. 5 Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he has uttered, 6 O offspring of his servant Abraham,[a] children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
7 He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 8 He is mindful of his covenant forever, of the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, 9 the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac, 10 which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, 11 saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance.”
12 When they were few in number, of little account, and strangers in it, 13 wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, 14 he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, 15 saying, “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”
16 When he summoned famine against the land, and broke every staff of bread, 17 he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. 18 His feet were hurt with fetters, his neck was put in a collar of iron; 19 until what he had said came to pass, the word of the Lord kept testing him. 20 The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free. 21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions, 22 to instruct[b] his officials at his pleasure, and to teach his elders wisdom.
23 Then Israel came to Egypt; Jacob lived as an alien in the land of Ham. 24 And the Lord made his people very fruitful, and made them stronger than their foes, 25 whose hearts he then turned to hate his people, to deal craftily with his servants.
26 He sent his servant Moses, and Aaron whom he had chosen. 27 They performed his signs among them, and miracles in the land of Ham. 28 He sent darkness, and made the land dark; they rebelled[c] against his words. 29 He turned their waters into blood, and caused their fish to die. 30 Their land swarmed with frogs, even in the chambers of their kings. 31 He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and gnats throughout their country. 32 He gave them hail for rain, and lightning that flashed through their land. 33 He struck their vines and fig trees, and shattered the trees of their country. 34 He spoke, and the locusts came, and young locusts without number; 35 they devoured all the vegetation in their land, and ate up the fruit of their ground. 36 He struck down all the firstborn in their land, the first issue of all their strength.
37 Then he brought Israel[d] out with silver and gold, and there was no one among their tribes who stumbled. 38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for dread of them had fallen upon it. 39 He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by night. 40 They asked, and he brought quails, and gave them food from heaven in abundance. 41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river. 42 For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant.
43 So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing. 44 He gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples, 45 that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the Lord!
Footnotes:
Psalm 105:6 Another reading is Israel (compare 1 Chr 16.13)
Psalm 105:22 Gk Syr Jerome: Heb to bind
Psalm 105:28 Cn Compare Gk Syr: Heb they did not rebel
Psalm 105:37 Heb them
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Daniel 6:1-15
The Plot against Daniel
6 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred twenty satraps, stationed throughout the whole kingdom, 2 and over them three presidents, including Daniel; to these the satraps gave account, so that the king might suffer no loss. 3 Soon Daniel distinguished himself above all the other presidents and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king planned to appoint him over the whole kingdom. 4 So the presidents and the satraps tried to find grounds for complaint against Daniel in connection with the kingdom. But they could find no grounds for complaint or any corruption, because he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption could be found in him. 5 The men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”
6 So the presidents and satraps conspired and came to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever! 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an interdict, that whoever prays to anyone, divine or human, for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the interdict and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the document and interdict.
Daniel in the Lions’ Den
10 Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously. 11 The conspirators came and found Daniel praying and seeking mercy before his God. 12 Then they approached the king and said concerning the interdict, “O king! Did you not sign an interdict, that anyone who prays to anyone, divine or human, within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions?” The king answered, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 13 Then they responded to the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the interdict you have signed, but he is saying his prayers three times a day.”
14 When the king heard the charge, he was very much distressed. He was determined to save Daniel, and until the sun went down he made every effort to rescue him. 15 Then the conspirators came to the king and said to him, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no interdict or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.”
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
2 John
Salutation
1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from[a] Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love.
Truth and Love
4 I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. 5 But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it.
7 Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! 8 Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we[b] have worked for, but may receive a full reward. 9 Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching; 11 for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person.
Final Greetings
12 Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
13 The children of your elect sister send you their greetings.[c]
Footnotes:
2 John 1:3 Other ancient authorities add the Lord
2 John 1:8 Other ancient authorities read you
2 John 1:13 Other ancient authorities add Amen
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Luke 5:12-26
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
12 Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy.[a] When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” 13 Then Jesus[b] stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do choose. Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy[c] left him. 14 And he ordered him to tell no one. “Go,” he said, “and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.” 15 But now more than ever the word about Jesus[d] spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. 16 But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
17 One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting near by (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal.[e] 18 Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus;[f] 19 but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd[g] in front of Jesus. 20 When he saw their faith, he said, “Friend,[h] your sins are forgiven you.” 21 Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 24 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the one who was paralyzed—“I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.” 25 Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. 26 Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen strange things today.”
Footnotes:
Luke 5:12 The terms leper and leprosy can refer to several diseases
Luke 5:13 Gk he
Luke 5:13 The terms leper and leprosy can refer to several diseases
Luke 5:15 Gk him
Luke 5:17 Other ancient authorities read was present to heal them
Luke 5:18 Gk him
Luke 5:19 Gk into the midst
Luke 5:20 Gk Man
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
0 notes
Text
Daily Office Readings May 05, 2017 at 01:00AM
Psalm 105
Psalm 105
God’s Faithfulness to Israel
1 O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works. 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. 5 Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he has uttered, 6 O offspring of his servant Abraham,[a] children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
7 He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 8 He is mindful of his covenant forever, of the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, 9 the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac, 10 which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, 11 saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance.”
12 When they were few in number, of little account, and strangers in it, 13 wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, 14 he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, 15 saying, “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”
16 When he summoned famine against the land, and broke every staff of bread, 17 he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. 18 His feet were hurt with fetters, his neck was put in a collar of iron; 19 until what he had said came to pass, the word of the Lord kept testing him. 20 The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free. 21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions, 22 to instruct[b] his officials at his pleasure, and to teach his elders wisdom.
23 Then Israel came to Egypt; Jacob lived as an alien in the land of Ham. 24 And the Lord made his people very fruitful, and made them stronger than their foes, 25 whose hearts he then turned to hate his people, to deal craftily with his servants.
26 He sent his servant Moses, and Aaron whom he had chosen. 27 They performed his signs among them, and miracles in the land of Ham. 28 He sent darkness, and made the land dark; they rebelled[c] against his words. 29 He turned their waters into blood, and caused their fish to die. 30 Their land swarmed with frogs, even in the chambers of their kings. 31 He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and gnats throughout their country. 32 He gave them hail for rain, and lightning that flashed through their land. 33 He struck their vines and fig trees, and shattered the trees of their country. 34 He spoke, and the locusts came, and young locusts without number; 35 they devoured all the vegetation in their land, and ate up the fruit of their ground. 36 He struck down all the firstborn in their land, the first issue of all their strength.
37 Then he brought Israel[d] out with silver and gold, and there was no one among their tribes who stumbled. 38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for dread of them had fallen upon it. 39 He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by night. 40 They asked, and he brought quails, and gave them food from heaven in abundance. 41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river. 42 For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant.
43 So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing. 44 He gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples, 45 that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the Lord!
Footnotes:
Psalm 105:6 Another reading is Israel (compare 1 Chr 16.13)
Psalm 105:22 Gk Syr Jerome: Heb to bind
Psalm 105:28 Cn Compare Gk Syr: Heb they did not rebel
Psalm 105:37 Heb them
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Daniel 6:1-15
The Plot against Daniel
6 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred twenty satraps, stationed throughout the whole kingdom, 2 and over them three presidents, including Daniel; to these the satraps gave account, so that the king might suffer no loss. 3 Soon Daniel distinguished himself above all the other presidents and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king planned to appoint him over the whole kingdom. 4 So the presidents and the satraps tried to find grounds for complaint against Daniel in connection with the kingdom. But they could find no grounds for complaint or any corruption, because he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption could be found in him. 5 The men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”
6 So the presidents and satraps conspired and came to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever! 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an interdict, that whoever prays to anyone, divine or human, for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the interdict and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the document and interdict.
Daniel in the Lions’ Den
10 Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously. 11 The conspirators came and found Daniel praying and seeking mercy before his God. 12 Then they approached the king and said concerning the interdict, “O king! Did you not sign an interdict, that anyone who prays to anyone, divine or human, within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions?” The king answered, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 13 Then they responded to the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the interdict you have signed, but he is saying his prayers three times a day.”
14 When the king heard the charge, he was very much distressed. He was determined to save Daniel, and until the sun went down he made every effort to rescue him. 15 Then the conspirators came to the king and said to him, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no interdict or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.”
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
2 John
Salutation
1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from[a] Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love.
Truth and Love
4 I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. 5 But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it.
7 Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! 8 Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we[b] have worked for, but may receive a full reward. 9 Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching; 11 for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person.
Final Greetings
12 Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
13 The children of your elect sister send you their greetings.[c]
Footnotes:
2 John 1:3 Other ancient authorities add the Lord
2 John 1:8 Other ancient authorities read you
2 John 1:13 Other ancient authorities add Amen
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Luke 5:12-26
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
12 Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy.[a] When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” 13 Then Jesus[b] stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do choose. Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy[c] left him. 14 And he ordered him to tell no one. “Go,” he said, “and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.” 15 But now more than ever the word about Jesus[d] spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. 16 But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
17 One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting near by (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal.[e] 18 Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus;[f] 19 but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd[g] in front of Jesus. 20 When he saw their faith, he said, “Friend,[h] your sins are forgiven you.” 21 Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 24 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the one who was paralyzed—“I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.” 25 Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. 26 Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen strange things today.”
Footnotes:
Luke 5:12 The terms leper and leprosy can refer to several diseases
Luke 5:13 Gk he
Luke 5:13 The terms leper and leprosy can refer to several diseases
Luke 5:15 Gk him
Luke 5:17 Other ancient authorities read was present to heal them
Luke 5:18 Gk him
Luke 5:19 Gk into the midst
Luke 5:20 Gk Man
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
0 notes