The Daily Lectionary for Tuesday, January 31, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Psalm 37:1-17; Ruth 2:1-16; James 5:1-6
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 37:1-17
God will bless the righteous
Part I Noli aemulari

Do not fret yourself because of evildoers;
do not be jealous of those who do wrong.

For they shall soon wither like the grass,
and like the green grass fade away.

Put your trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and feed on its riches.

Take delight in the LORD,
and he shall give you your heart’s desire.

Commit your way to the LORD and put your trust in him,
and he will bring it to pass.

He will make your righteousness as clear as the light
and your just dealing as the noonday.

Be still before the LORD
and wait patiently for him.

Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers,
the one who succeeds in evil schemes.

Refrain from anger, leave rage alone;
do not fret yourself; it leads only to evil.

For evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait upon the LORD shall possess the land.

In a little while the wicked shall be no more;
you shall search out their place, but they will not be there.

But the lowly shall possess the land;
they will delight in abundance of peace.

The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash at them with their teeth.

The Lord laughs at the wicked,
because he sees that their day will come.

The wicked draw their sword and bend their bow to strike down the poor and needy,
to slaughter those who are upright in their ways.

Their sword shall go through their own heart,
and their bow shall be broken.

The little that the righteous has
is better than great riches of the wicked.

O God, we live in an uncertain world, where evil fights to overcome good. Help us remain firm in our allegiance to You. Help us know the good, and empower us to do the right. In this Advent Season, fill us with hope in the Good News of Jesus’ first and second coming, even as we pray in His name:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

Ruth 2:1-16
Ruth one of the hungry

2:1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz.

2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.”

Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.

4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!”

“The Lord bless you!” they answered.

5 Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?”

6 The overseer replied, “She is the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi. 7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”

8 So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. 9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”

10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”

11 Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

13 “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”

14 At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.”

When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. 15 As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. 16 Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.”

James 5:1-6
A warning to the ungenerous

5:1 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789).

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary for Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Psalm 37:1-17; Ruth 2:1-16; James 5:1-6

The Morning Prayer for Tuesday, January 31, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Tuesday, January 31, 2023

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.
Isaiah 62:1, NIV

Lord our God, we worship you, for you come to meet us everywhere and you reveal your glory on our earth. May we become worthy of you, people who can represent you with our whole being. Give us the strength to endure, even through struggles and temptations. Be merciful to us at all times through Jesus Christ our Savior. May we remain body and soul in his hands, that at last we may come to you, our Father in heaven, as your true children, reborn through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Tuesday, January 31, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Psalm 86:5

You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

God does not forgive all people indiscriminately; He waits until they turn to Him with prayers of repentance.

Read all of Psalm 86

Listen to Psalm 86

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

The Daily Lectionary for Monday, January 30, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary
Monday, January 30, 2023
Psalm 37:1-17; Ruth 1:1-18; Philemon 1-25
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 37:1-17
God will bless the righteous
Noli aemulari

1 Do not fret yourself because of evildoers;
do not be jealous of those who do wrong.

2 For they shall soon wither like the grass,
and like the green grass fade away.

3 Put your trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and feed on its riches.

4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he shall give you your heart’s desire.

5 Commit your way to the LORD and put your trust in him,
and he will bring it to pass.

6 He will make your righteousness as clear as the light
and your just dealing as the noonday.

7 Be still before the LORD
and wait patiently for him.

8 Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers,
the one who succeeds in evil schemes.

9 Refrain from anger, leave rage alone;
do not fret yourself; it leads only to evil.

10 For evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait upon the LORD shall possess the land.

11 In a little while the wicked shall be no more;
you shall search out their place, but they will not be there.

12 But the lowly shall possess the land;
they will delight in abundance of peace.

13 The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash at them with their teeth.

14 The Lord laughs at the wicked,
because he sees that their day will come.

15 The wicked draw their sword and bend their bow to strike down the poor and needy,
to slaughter those who are upright in their ways.

16 Their sword shall go through their own heart,
and their bow shall be broken.

17 The little that the righteous has
is better than great riches of the wicked.

O God, we live in an uncertain world, where evil fights to overcome good. Help us remain firm in our allegiance to You. Help us know the good, and empower us to do the right. In this Advent Season, fill us with hope in the Good News of Jesus’ first and second coming, even as we pray in His name:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

Ruth 1:1-18
Ruth one of the poor

1:1 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. 2 The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there.

3 Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.

6 When Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there. 7 With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah.

8 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. 9 May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.”

Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud 10 and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.”

11 But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? 12 Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons— 13 would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!”

14 At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.

15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”

16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

Philemon 1-25
Concerning the slave Onesimus

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:

3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789).

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary for Monday, January 30, 2023
Psalm 37:1-17; Ruth 1:1-18; Philemon 1-25

The Morning Prayer for Monday, January 30, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Monday, January 30, 2023

The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all… Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul.
Psalm 103:19, 22, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, we thank you for giving our hearts hope for your kingdom, the kingdom of God. We thank you that again and again we may draw strength from this hope, find new youthfulness and courage, and discover how powerfully, though hidden, your kingdom is already approaching. Protect this vision and help us when we fail. All will come right. Whatever happens, we are in your hands, and no one shall snatch this joy from our hearts. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Monday, January 30, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Monday, January 30, 2023

Ephesians 4:2

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

If, as believers, we all serve the one true God, then why shouldn’t His love express itself in us through unity (Eph. 4:1–16)? It really should. Therefore, “be like-minded, live in peace” (2 Cor. 13:11).

Read all of Ephesians Chapter 4

Listen to Ephesians Chapter 4

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, January 29, 2023 — Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

The Sunday Lectionary Readings

Sunday, January 29, 2023 — 4th Sunday after the Epiphany

(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Teaching Wisdom

Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12

Opening Statement

Who are the people of God? Not those with correct beliefs or worldly wisdom, but those who act with justice and compassion, who walk humbly with their God; those whom the world might call foolish because they choose to live kingdom values rather than worldly values; those who go against the status quo and work to bring about God’s beloved community on earth, here and now.

The Beatitudes

Opening Prayer

God of our lives, to your Beloved Child: you are always turning the world upside down, calling us to follow you into new ventures, new challenges, new ways to care, new ways to touch the hearts of all. When we get tired, or feel disappointed, remind us that you can bring change and hope out of the most difficult situations, so that we may do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with you always. Amen.

Call to Confession

Far too often, O God, we desire to look wise in the eyes of the world. We have not spoken truth with our hearts. We have said and done hurtful things to our friends. We have forgotten our true identity, wandering into ways that are not yours. We have lost the path of true worship, focusing on form and words rather than deeds. We have forgotten what true discipleship is. And because of this, you have a quarrel with us. Forgive us and help us live into becoming the people you have created and called us to be: people of justice and love and truth and humility, and yes, even foolishness. May we be fools for Christ, embracing our true identity, even in the face of the world’s scorn and derision.

Assurance of Pardon

God has called us and blesses us when we live God’s ways and not the world’s. God’s love embraces us even when we fall short of what God desires for our lives and actions. Know that the God of blessing loves and forgives us with a fierce tenderness. And in so knowing, may our lives and souls be transformed.

Prayer of the Day

Holy God, you confound the world's wisdom in giving your kingdom to the lowly and the pure in heart.  Give us such a hunger and thirst for justice, and perseverance in striving for peace, that in our words and deeds the world may see the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

First Reading
Micah 6:1-8

The offering of justice kindness humility

6:1 Listen to what the Lord says:

   “Stand up, plead my case before the mountains;
     let the hills hear what you have to say.

2  “Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation;
     listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth.
   For the Lord has a case against his people;
     he is lodging a charge against Israel.

3  “My people, what have I done to you?
     How have I burdened you? Answer me.
4  I brought you up out of Egypt
     and redeemed you from the land of slavery.
   I sent Moses to lead you,
     also Aaron and Miriam.
5  My people, remember
     what Balak king of Moab plotted
     and what Balaam son of Beor answered.
   Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal,
     that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord.”

6  With what shall I come before the Lord
     and bow down before the exalted God?
   Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
     with calves a year old?
7  Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
     with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
   Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
     the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8  He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
     And what does the Lord require of you?
   To act justly and to love mercy
     and to walk humbly with your God.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 15
Abiding on God’s holy hill
Domine, quis habitabit?

LORD, who may dwell in your tabernacle?
who may abide upon your holy hill?

Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right,
who speaks the truth from his heart.

There is no guile upon his tongue; he does no evil to his friend;
he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor.

In his sight the wicked is rejected,
but he honors those who fear the LORD.

He has sworn to do no wrong
and does not take back his word.

He does not give his money in hope of gain,
nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things
shall never be overthrown.

Heavenly Father, You have made Your presence known throughout the Earth, so those who do not trust in You are without excuse. We seek the wisdom that comes from You and Your word, so we might avoid sin and serve You with faithful hearts. We come to You in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and ask You to forgive us for our sins. We pray that You will fill us with Your Holy Spirit and empower us to walk blamelessly in Your sight and do what is right. We rejoice in the presence of our Lord and Savior, and praise You with hearts of love as we pray the prayer He taught us:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

Second Reading

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Christ crucified the wisdom and power of God

1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:

   “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
     the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in great in heaven. Alleluia. (Matt. 5:12)

The Gospel

Matthew 5:1-12

The teaching of Christ: Beatitudes

5:1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
         righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of
         righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Here end the Lessons

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Nicene Creed

 

• We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

• We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

• We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Communion

A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present. This table is open to all who recognize Jesus Christ as healer and redeemer. This table is open to all who work to bring God’s Kingdom here on earth. No one is turned away because of life circumstances. No one is barred from this table. No one seeking God’s abundant grace and mercy is turned aside. We see before us the abundance that a life of faith offers as we respond to God’s everlasting mercy in prayer and deed.

The Beatitudes - Hillsong (with lyrics)

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets].

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789).

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, January 29, 2023
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12

“Topsy-Turvy Blessings” The Gospel Message for Sunday, January 29, 2023 — Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Our Gospel message comes to us today from the 5th chapter of Matthew, beginning with the 1st verse.

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:1-12)

Dear Heavenly Father, you have revealed yourself to us through your Word, recorded in the Scriptures, spoken by the prophets, but most clearly, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, your Word become flesh. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, open our hearts and minds to your Word so that we might perceive your presence among us, embrace your truth for our lives, and gain the courage to witness your redeeming grace to others. This we ask in Christ’s holy name. Amen.

“Topsy-Turvy Blessings”

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who mourn, blessed are the meek, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, blessed are the merciful, blessed are the pure in heart, blessed are the peacemakers, blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.”

Jesus’ words in this sermon on the mount sound very comforting, uplifting, and very comfortable. When we hear these beatitudes read from scripture, I think most of us try to place ourselves somewhere on the list. We may listen and think, “ah, I’ve been merciful to people at times.” Or we may sit and remember a time when we made peace with a friend or a relative. Typically, we hear these words as a great promise because we like to see ourselves included in those that Jesus describes as blessed.

But what does it mean to be blessed? Does it mean that we have physical possessions, a house to live in, or many things to surround ourselves with? Think for a moment. Who are the people in this world who we consider the blessed ones? Is it the person who won the publisher’s clearinghouse sweepstakes? Is it the person who has a big house, a boat, or a vacation home up north? Is it the person with no debt and no bills? Is it the executive with the big three who are making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year? Is it the parents who just had a healthy baby or the kid at school whose parents just bought her a brand-new car? Far too often, the people we consider blessed are those who have THINGS!

In today’s gospel lesson, Jesus uses the word “blessed” differently. Although the world may seem that the rich and powerful or the high and mighty as blessed, Jesus says that God has blessed the lowly, the meek, the poor, and the hungry. Jesus takes the prevalent worldview and turns it upside down.

Do any of you remember the Disney movie from a few years ago called Hunchback of Notre Dame? As the story goes, the people of Paris once a year have a street festival. On that day, everything is topsy turvy, sings Clopin, the narrator-jester. At that festival, they crown the king of fools, who is the ugliest, most hideous person there. Why do they crown the least likely person, sings Clopin? Why? Because everything is topsy-turvy! A king becomes a clown, and a clown becomes a king, and he sings.

At that festival, Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bell-ringer of Notre Dame, is crowned the king of fools. He puts the top in topsy-turvy and sings Clopin. Jesus’ words about being blessed strike us in sort of a topsy-turvy fashion. Those who seem less fortunate, who look like they are not as “blessed” as we are, turn out to be those whom God proclaims as blessed, as fortunate. In God’s eyes, the fortunate ones are at the bottom of the heap of humanity. What seems up is down, and what seems down is up. Jesus reminds us that God’s ways of seeing things are sometimes topsy-turvy from how we see things.

The Beatitudes are not “entrance requirements for the kingdom of heaven” but descriptions of the nature of God’s rule. Jesus is not pronouncing the blessing; that is, his words do not cause the blessing. Instead, Jesus is describing a situation that exists. According to Jesus, when the rule of God is fully realized, the people who will benefit are those who now have no reason for hope or cause for joy, who seem to have been denied their share of God’s blessings in this world. The people that Jesus describes as blessed are those for whom things have not been the way they should be. For such people, the coming of God’s kingdom is a blessing because things will be equalized when God rules.

Our response to the beatitudes should not be going out and trying to make ourselves meek, or poor in spirit, or hungry, or righteous. Jesus may call us to that action later. Still, here, Jesus is merely disputing the conventional wisdom about who is “blessed.” Jesus is not telling us to become those people. He is telling us to look at those people through God’s eyes. Although we may not consider people in those situations blessed, God’s view is different. The poor in spirit, the meek, the peacemakers, are blessed, not because they are virtuous, but because they have something to look forward to in the great divine reversal.

St. Paul writes about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. These Beatitudes of Jesus illustrate the kind of foolishness that is spoken through the cross. What looks like a topsy-turvy day is only an example of the reversal of fortune that will be found in the kingdom. Those who looked blessed are not, and those who seem cursed are those who are blessed.

The poor in spirit, those who seem to be downhearted now, will gain the kingdom of heaven. Those who mourn, who weep for the pain of their loss, will find comfort from God, even if the world will not give them the time of day. The meek—those who seem not to have any power or authority—will gain land. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, those who try to do what’s right no matter the reward or punishment, will be filled.

Jesus isn’t trying to get us to try to be meek, poor in spirit, or even merciful. Nor is Jesus telling us that we can find out who’s going to heaven by judging their situation in light of the beatitudes. What we can learn from the Beatitudes is to see who God is focused upon and what we should do about it.

How should I act if history is headed toward a dramatic reversal of fortunes for the poor in spirit and the pure in heart? How could I treat the poor or the hungry or the thirsty if there will be a day when things will be reversed? How might I respond differently to the mourners or meek that I see on the street if I knew that God was ultimately concerned about them?

The Micah text reminds us of what we can do to see the fulfillment of the kingdom. What does the Lord require of us? To be meek? To become poor in spirit? To hunger and thirst for righteousness? No, “God has told you what is good, and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?” We have a responsibility to those who are described in the Beatitudes. We are responsible for acting justly, showing kindness, and walking with God.

As Paul says, “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” Yes, things may look topsy-turvy, but God is shining light on us, lifting us up through these situations. The message of the cross may seem like mere foolishness, crazy festival nonsense. But God uses the weak things of the world, the foolish things of the world, to show forth God’s glory.

If God can love you, if God can love me, then surely, we can love those who look foolish, those who seem weak, and those who appear to be less fortunate. May God give us the wisdom to seek the foolishness of the cross and the weakness of Christ crucified.

Let us pray: Let us pray: Lord Jesus, you said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Keep us from being preoccupied with money and worldly goods and with trying to increase them at the expense of justice.

Lord Jesus, you said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Help us not to be ruthless with one another and to eliminate the discord and violence that exists in the world around us.

Lord Jesus, you said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Let us not be impatient under our own burdens and unconcerned about the burdens of others.

Lord Jesus, you said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Make us thirst for you, the fountain of all holiness, and actively spread your influence in our private lives and society.

Lord Jesus, you said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Grant that we may be quick to forgive and slow to condemn.

Lord Jesus, you said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Free us from our senses and our evil desires, and help us to fix our eyes on you.

Lord Jesus, you said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Aid us to make peace in our families, in our country, and in the world.

Lord Jesus, you said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Make us willing to suffer for the sake of right rather than to practice injustice; do not let us discriminate against our neighbors and oppress and persecute them. Amen.

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Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Sermon contributed by Rev. Carla Powell.
When death comes close, it is painful. The faithful mourn. Even in this, the Lord tells us, we are blessed because He will draw close to bring comfort. Jesus’ Beatitudes are a splash of frigid water in the face of the self-righteous, but a cup of refreshing water for God’s forgiven saints who are weary of the ways of the world. The beatitudes are a description of what life in the kingdom of God looks like.

The Morning Prayer for Sunday, January 29, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Sunday, January 29, 2023

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart.
Deuteronomy 6:4–6, RSV

Lord our God, we thank you that every day—through good days and through days that to us seem bad—we know that our lives are guided by your will, what you do and what you want. For this we thank you. We want to love you above everything in the world. Our hearts long for you, for you are our Father. We want to love and honor you with our whole lives. Lord our God, bring your order into the world. Help us at all times to do your will and to fulfill your commandments. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Sunday, January 29, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Sunday, January 29, 2023

Mark 9:35

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

We sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that we can measure our success the same way the world does. We mistakenly believe that if the Lord receives glory from our service, then it should be glorious for us as well. Yet when we remember God’s faithful servants from the Bible, we realize their situations were often far from easy or glamorous. Likewise, the Lord may call us to do the simple, humble acts that show compassion toward other people and which display the character of Christ. They are not done for personal gain; rather, they are done out of an overflow of His love in us and for His glory.

Read all of Mark Chapter 9

Listen to Mark Chapter 9

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Travel the World from Home — Joshua & the Battle of the Benjamin Plateau

 

The Holy Land:
Connecting the Land with Its Stories
Joshua & the Battle of the Benjamin Plateau
Season 2 — Episode 6

You might be familiar with the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho. But what about Joshua and the battle of the Benjamin Plateau? It's not nearly as well-known, but it's no less spectacular.

Jericho is located on the eastern edge of Israel in the Jordan Valley. It's where the Israelites entered the Promised Land for the first time after centuries in Egypt and 40 years wandering in the desert. Amir Tsarfati, former Deputy Governor of Jericho during the Palestinian/Israeli peace talks, is an expert military strategist with a deep knowledge of this region. He joins Jack to help tell the whole story of how God gave His people control over the Promised Land despite Joshua being tricked by the Gibeonites and not following God's orders. The pair begin in the desert oasis of Jericho and then head through the treacherous terrain of the Judean Wilderness to the Benjamin Plateau, providing a full understanding of the ruggedness of the land, the danger of the battle, and the victory of the Lord.

In Episode 6, Jack Beck takes us to this important region that was, and still is, a crossroads for Israel. We'll get the story behind the story of this important location where the Israelites entered the Promised Land and we’ll answer some questions: Why does the Benjamin Plateau play such an important role for Israel in history and modern day? How did God miraculously deliver His people once again despite military mistakes?

If you're at an intersection in life, you'll see through this epic physical battle that God is fighting for you. Jack summarizes his thoughts on the experience: "I see that God is in control, and that brings me encouragement knowing that when I find myself at the crossroads of a difficult journey,  when I make mistakes, my story doesn't end there."

Season 2 — Episode 6 | Joshua & the Battle of the Benjamin Plateau

The Daily Lectionary for Saturday, January 28, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Psalm 15; Micah 3:1-4; John 13:31-35
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 15
Abiding on God’s holy hill
Domine, quis habitabit?

LORD, who may dwell in your tabernacle?
who may abide upon your holy hill?

Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right,
who speaks the truth from his heart.

There is no guile upon his tongue; he does no evil to his friend;
he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor.

In his sight the wicked is rejected,
but he honors those who fear the LORD.

He has sworn to do no wrong
and does not take back his word.

He does not give his money in hope of gain,
nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things
shall never be overthrown.

Heavenly Father, You have made Your presence known throughout the Earth, so those who do not trust in You are without excuse. We seek the wisdom that comes from You and Your word, so we might avoid sin and serve You with faithful hearts. We come to You in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and ask You to forgive us for our sins. We pray that You will fill us with Your Holy Spirit and empower us to walk blamelessly in Your sight and do what is right. We rejoice in the presence of our Lord and Savior, and praise You with hearts of love as we pray the prayer He taught us:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

Micah 3:1-4
Should you not know justice?

3:1 Then I said,

  “Listen, you leaders of Jacob,
     you rulers of Israel.
  Should you not embrace justice,
2    you who hate good and love evil;
  who tear the skin from my people
     and the flesh from their bones;
3 who eat my people’s flesh,
     strip off their skin
     and break their bones in pieces;
  who chop them up like meat for the pan,
     like flesh for the pot?”

4 Then they will cry out to the Lord,
     but he will not answer them.
  At that time he will hide his face from them
     because of the evil they have done.

John 13:31-35
The new commandment

13:31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.

33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789).

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary for Saturday, January 28, 2023
Psalm 15; Micah 3:1-4; John 13:31-35

The Morning Prayer for Saturday, January 28, 2023

The Morning Prayer
Saturday, January 28, 2023

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Psalm 32:8, NIV

Lord our God, we come into your presence and ask you to help us. Help us in every part of our lives, even when we do not understand. Be with us with your Spirit. Guide and lead us with your hand. Let your will be done in all things, even if we must bear suffering. Your will is for good alone and you will set everything right. Help us. Bless us through your Word, through everything we are allowed to hear from you, our God and our Father. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Saturday, January 28, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Saturday, January 28, 2023

John 4:24

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.

God calls us to worship Him in Spirit and in truth; therefore, we should “worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh” (Phil. 3:3, NASB1995).

Read all of John Chapter 4

Listen to John Chapter 4

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

That The World May Know, Volume 2 | Episode 6 | God With Us

 

That The World May Know
God With Us
Volume 2 | Episode 6

The ancient land of Israel is a testimony, an evidence if you will, of the greatness of what God did in that country, a testimony to the truth of the words that we find in the pages of the Bible.

Volume 2 focuses on God's faithfulness to His people in the wayward times of the kings and prophets—and now to us in our society today.

In Episode 6, in Old Testament times, God manifested Himself in the temple. Today, He dwells in us. We have a responsibility to represent God's presence to a dying world.

Volume 2 | Episode 6 |  God With Us

The Daily Lectionary for Friday, January 27, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary
Friday, January 27, 2023
Psalm 15; Deuteronomy 24:17—25:4; 1 Timothy 5:17-24
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 15
Abiding on God’s holy hill
Domine, quis habitabit?

LORD, who may dwell in your tabernacle?
who may abide upon your holy hill?

Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right,
who speaks the truth from his heart.

There is no guile upon his tongue; he does no evil to his friend;
he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor.

In his sight the wicked is rejected,
but he honors those who fear the LORD.

He has sworn to do no wrong
and does not take back his word.

He does not give his money in hope of gain,
nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things
shall never be overthrown.

Heavenly Father, You have made Your presence known throughout the Earth, so those who do not trust in You are without excuse. We seek the wisdom that comes from You and Your word, so we might avoid sin and serve You with faithful hearts. We come to You in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and ask You to forgive us for our sins. We pray that You will fill us with Your Holy Spirit and empower us to walk blamelessly in Your sight and do what is right. We rejoice in the presence of our Lord and Savior, and praise You with hearts of love as we pray the prayer He taught us:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

Deuteronomy 24:17—25:4
Do not deprive others of justice

24:17 Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. 18 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.

19 When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. 20 When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 21 When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 22 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.

25:1 When people have a dispute, they are to take it to court and the judges will decide the case, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty. 2 If the guilty person deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make them lie down and have them flogged in his presence with the number of lashes the crime deserves, 3 but the judge must not impose more than forty lashes. If the guilty party is flogged more than that, your fellow Israelite will be degraded in your eyes.

4 Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.

1 Timothy 5:17-24
Good works are conspicuous

5:17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789).

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary for Friday, January 27, 2023
Psalm 15; Deuteronomy 24:17—25:4; 1 Timothy 5:17-24