The Daily Bible Readings for Saturday, November 5, 2022

The Daily Bible Readings

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; Haggai 1:1-15a; Luke 20:1-8

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21

(Great is the Lord)

The Greatness and the Goodness of God
Praise. Of David.

1 I will exalt you, my God;
and bless your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you;
and praise your name for ever and ever.
3 You are great, LORD God, and greatly to be praised;
your greatness is unsearchable.
4 Generation to generation will praise your doings;
and declare your mighty deeds.
5 They will speak of the glory of your splendour;
I will meditate on your marvelous works.
17 You are just in all your ways, O LORD;
and faithful in all your doings.
18 You are near to all who call on you;
to all who call on you in truth.
19 You take care of the desires of all who fear you;
their cry for help you will hear, and you will save them.
20 O LORD, you watch over all who love you;
the wicked you will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD;
and all flesh will bless your holy name.

Haggai 1:1-15a

(Command to rebuild the temple)

The Command to Rebuild the Temple
1:1 In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest: 2 Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house. 3 Then the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, saying: 4 Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? 5 Now therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. 6 You have sown much, and harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and you that earn wages earn wages to put them into a bag with holes.

7 Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider how you have fared. 8 Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. 9 You have looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? says the Lord of hosts. Because my house lies in ruins, while all of you hurry off to your own houses. 10 Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. 11 And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the soil produces, on human beings and animals, and on all their labors.

12 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of the prophet Haggai, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people feared the Lord. 13 Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke to the people with the Lord’s message, saying, I am with you, says the Lord. 14 And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, 15a on the twenty-fourth day of the month.

Luke 20:1-8

(Jesus’ teaching authority)

The Authority of Jesus Questioned
20:1 One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders 2 and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?” 3 He answered them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: 4 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” 5 They discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” 7 So they answered that they did not know where it came from. 8 Then Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

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 New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2022, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2021 was Year B. 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 Bible Readings for Saturday, November 5, 2022
Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; Haggai 1:1-15a; Luke 20:1-8

The Morning Prayer for Saturday, November 5, 2022

 

The Morning Prayer
Saturday, November 5, 2022

The eyes of the Lord are on those who love him, a mighty shield and strong support, a shelter from scorching wind and a shade from noonday sun, a guard against stumbling and a help against falling.

— Ecclesiasticus 34:19 (NRSV)

Lord God Almighty, whose eyes keep watch over the whole world, we come before you with the evil from our surroundings still clinging to us. Grant that our lives may be in your hands. Give us your strength to find the way, even through suffering and distress. For we are yours, O Lord our God, and you have chosen your people to be strong and to be freed from all evils. Help us, we beseech you. May we know that you are with us and may your Word bring us blessing, to the glory of your name forever. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Saturday, November 5, 2022

 

Verse of the Day
Saturday, November 5, 2022

Romans 13:6

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.

Because civil government is an order of God, and the ministers of state must be at considerable expense in providing for the safety and defense of the community, it is necessary that those in whose behalf these expenses are incurred should defray that expense; and hence nothing can be more reasonable than an impartial and moderate taxation, by which the expenses of the state may be defrayed, and the various officers, whether civil or military, who are employed for the service of the public, be adequately remunerated. All this is just and right, but there is no insinuation in the apostle's words in behalf of an extravagant and oppressive taxation, for the support of unprincipled and unnecessary wars; or the pensioning of corrupt or useless men. The taxes are to be paid for the support of those who are God's servants—the necessary civil officers, from the king downwards, who are attending CONTINUALLY on this very thing. And let the reader observe, that by God's servants are not meant here the servants of religion, but the civil officers in all departments of the state.

Read all of Romans Chapter 13

Listen to Romans Chapter 13

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

The Daily Bible Readings for Friday, November 4, 2022

The Daily Bible Readings

Friday, November 4, 2022

Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; Zechariah 6:9-15; Acts 24:10-23

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21

(Great is the Lord)

The Greatness and the Goodness of God
Praise. Of David.
1  I will extol you, my God and King,
     and bless your name forever and ever.
2  Every day I will bless you,
     and praise your name forever and ever.
3  Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
     his greatness is unsearchable.

4  One generation shall laud your works to another,
     and shall declare your mighty acts.
5  On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
     and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

17 The Lord is just in all his ways,
     and kind in all his doings.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
     to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of all who fear him;
     he also hears their cry, and saves them.
20 The Lord watches over all who love him,
     but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
     and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.

Zechariah 6:9-15

(Far and near led to build the temple)

The Coronation of the Branch
6:9 The word of the Lord came to me: 10 Collect silver and gold from the exiles—from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah—who have arrived from Babylon; and go the same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah. 11 Take the silver and gold and make a crown, and set it on the head of the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak; 12 say to him: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Here is a man whose name is Branch: for he shall branch out in his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord. 13 It is he that shall build the temple of the Lord; he shall bear royal honor, and shall sit upon his throne and rule. There shall be a priest by his throne, with peaceful understanding between the two of them. 14 And the crown shall be in the care of Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Josiah son of Zephaniah, as a memorial in the temple of the Lord.

15 Those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the Lord; and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.

Acts 24:10-23

(Paul testifies to the resurrection)

Paul’s Defense before Felix
24:10 When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied:

“I cheerfully make my defense, knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation. 11 As you can find out, it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. 12 They did not find me disputing with anyone in the temple or stirring up a crowd either in the synagogues or throughout the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you the charge that they now bring against me. 14 But this I admit to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our ancestors, believing everything laid down according to the law or written in the prophets. 15 I have a hope in God—a hope that they themselves also accept—that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God and all people. 17 Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation and to offer sacrifices. 18 While I was doing this, they found me in the temple, completing the rite of purification, without any crowd or disturbance. 19 But there were some Jews from Asia—they ought to be here before you to make an accusation, if they have anything against me. 20 Or let these men here tell what crime they had found when I stood before the council, 21 unless it was this one sentence that I called out while standing before them, ‘It is about the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”

22 But Felix, who was rather well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing with the comment, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he ordered the centurion to keep him in custody, but to let him have some liberty and not to prevent any of his friends from taking care of his needs.

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 New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2022, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2021 was Year B. 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 Bible Readings for Friday, November 4, 2022
Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; Zechariah 6:9-15; Acts 24:10-23

The Morning Prayer for Friday, November 4, 2022

 

The Morning Prayer
Friday, November 4, 2022

You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant.

— Hebrews 12:22–24a (NIV)

Lord our God, we thank you that you have redeemed us and that we may feel united with your holy ones, those in heaven and those on earth who are gathered around Jesus Christ, a people growing in number and strength from year to year. We thank you that we too belong to them, and we ask you to keep our hearts aware of this unity so that we may be joyful, redeemed people who find ever greater deliverance, full of praise and thanks, full of certainty and joy. Grant this to us, for we are your people, born out of your power as Savior and gathered for the sake of your kingdom. Guard your gifts and your powers within us. Continue your redemption of the whole world until joy floods through our whole being and we can praise you for the life you have already given us here on earth. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Friday, November 4, 2022

 

Verse of the Day
Friday, November 4, 2022

2 Corinthians 3:6

He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

The Law revealed God’s righteous requirements to us—standards we could never hope to meet on our own (Rom. 7:7). The Spirit, on the other hand, gives us life because He draws us to faith in Christ’s provision on the Cross.

Read all of Second Corinthians Chapter 3

Listen to Second Corinthians Chapter 3

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

The Daily Bible Readings for Thursday, November 3, 2022

The Daily Bible Readings

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; Zechariah 1:1-17; Acts 22:22—23:11

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21

(Great is the Lord)

The Greatness and the Goodness of God
Praise. Of David.
1  I will extol you, my God and King,
     and bless your name forever and ever.
2  Every day I will bless you,
     and praise your name forever and ever.
3  Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
     his greatness is unsearchable.

4  One generation shall laud your works to another,
     and shall declare your mighty acts.
5  On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
     and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

17 The Lord is just in all his ways,
     and kind in all his doings.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
     to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of all who fear him;
     he also hears their cry, and saves them.
20 The Lord watches over all who love him,
     but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
     and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.

Zechariah 1:1-17

(God returns to Jerusalem)

Israel Urged to Repent
1:1 In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah son of Iddo, saying: 2 The Lord was very angry with your ancestors. 3 Therefore say to them, Thus says the Lord of hosts: Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. 4 Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.” But they did not hear or heed me, says the Lord. 5 Your ancestors, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? 6 But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your ancestors? So they repented and said, “The Lord of hosts has dealt with us according to our ways and deeds, just as he planned to do.”

First Vision: The Horsemen
7 On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, the month of Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah son of Iddo; and Zechariah said, 8 In the night I saw a man riding on a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in the glen; and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses. 9 Then I said, “What are these, my lord?” The angel who talked with me said to me, “I will show you what they are.” 10 So the man who was standing among the myrtle trees answered, “They are those whom the Lord has sent to patrol the earth.” 11 Then they spoke to the angel of the Lord who was standing among the myrtle trees, “We have patrolled the earth, and lo, the whole earth remains at peace.” 12 Then the angel of the Lord said, “O Lord of hosts, how long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, with which you have been angry these seventy years?” 13 Then the Lord replied with gracious and comforting words to the angel who talked with me. 14 So the angel who talked with me said to me, Proclaim this message: Thus says the Lord of hosts; I am very jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion. 15 And I am extremely angry with the nations that are at ease; for while I was only a little angry, they made the disaster worse. 16 Therefore, thus says the Lord, I have returned to Jerusalem with compassion; my house shall be built in it, says the Lord of hosts, and the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem. 17 Proclaim further: Thus says the Lord of hosts: My cities shall again overflow with prosperity; the Lord will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.

Acts 22:22—23:11

(Paul confronts religious leaders)

Paul and the Roman Tribune
22:22 Up to this point they listened to him, but then they shouted, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23 And while they were shouting, throwing off their cloaks, and tossing dust into the air, 24 the tribune directed that he was to be brought into the barracks, and ordered him to be examined by flogging, to find out the reason for this outcry against him. 25 But when they had tied him up with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who is uncondemned?” 26 When the centurion heard that, he went to the tribune and said to him, “What are you about to do? This man is a Roman citizen.” 27 The tribune came and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The tribune answered, “It cost me a large sum of money to get my citizenship.” Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.” 29 Immediately those who were about to examine him drew back from him; and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.

Paul before the Council
30 Since he wanted to find out what Paul was being accused of by the Jews, the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and the entire council to meet. He brought Paul down and had him stand before them.

23:1 While Paul was looking intently at the council he said, “Brothers, up to this day I have lived my life with a clear conscience before God.” 2 Then the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near him to strike him on the mouth. 3 At this Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting there to judge me according to the law, and yet in violation of the law you order me to be struck?” 4 Those standing nearby said, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I did not realize, brothers, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a leader of your people.’”

6 When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dissension began between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge all three.) 9 Then a great clamor arose, and certain scribes of the Pharisees’ group stood up and contended, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 When the dissension became violent, the tribune, fearing that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered the soldiers to go down, take him by force, and bring him into the barracks.

11 That night the Lord stood near him and said, “Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.”

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 New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2022, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2021 was Year B. 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 Bible Readings for Thursday, November 3, 2022
Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; Zechariah 1:1-17; Acts 22:22—23:11

The Morning Prayer for Thursday, November 3, 2022

 

The Morning Prayer
Thursday, November 3, 2022

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

— 1 John 1:5 (NIV)

Lord our God, rule over us in strength, and grant us your light. Let your Spirit be with us to confirm what has already taken place in our hearts, so that we have joy and trust even under all the strain and stress of this life. Shine into the darkness of the world. Shine for all people. May we be shown more and more clearly what we have been created for. Strengthen our faith for the future, our faith in everything good, for however hidden the good may be, it must at last come to the light. May we and all the world bring praise and honor to you. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Thursday, November 3, 2022

 

 

Verse of the Day
Thursday, November 3, 2022

Romans 13:1

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

The Lord is the One who ultimately places people in authority over us—whether that be in our work or country (Dan. 2:21). Our responsibility is to honor God first and foremost (Acts 5:27–29), abide by the laws and rules required of us (Matt. 22:21; 1 Pet. 3:13–15), and pray our leaders understand that they are accountable to God (1 Tim. 2:1–3).

Read all of Romans Chapter 13

Listen to Romans Chapter 13

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

The Daily Bible Readings for Wednesday, November 2, 2022

The Daily Bible Readings

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Psalm 142; Habakkuk 3:17-19; Luke 19:11-27

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 142

(The righteous will surround me)

Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors
A Maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A Prayer.
1  With my voice I cry to the Lord;
     with my voice I make supplication to the Lord.
2  I pour out my complaint before him;
     I tell my trouble before him.
3  When my spirit is faint,
     you know my way.

   In the path where I walk
     they have hidden a trap for me.
4  Look on my right hand and see—
     there is no one who takes notice of me;
   no refuge remains to me;
     no one cares for me.

5  I cry to you, O Lord;
     I say, “You are my refuge,
     my portion in the land of the living.”
6  Give heed to my cry,
     for I am brought very low.

   Save me from my persecutors,
     for they are too strong for me.
7  Bring me out of prison,
     so that I may give thanks to your name.
   The righteous will surround me,
     for you will deal bountifully with me.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

(Trust in the midst of trouble)

Trust and Joy in the Midst of Trouble
17 Though the fig tree does not blossom,
     and no fruit is on the vines;
   though the produce of the olive fails,
     and the fields yield no food;
   though the flock is cut off from the fold,
     and there is no herd in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
     I will exult in the God of my salvation.
19 God, the Lord, is my strength;
     he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
     and makes me tread upon the heights.

   To the leader: with stringed instruments.

Luke 19:11-27

(The parable of the pounds)

The Parable of the Ten Pounds
19:11 As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12 So he said, “A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. 13 He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, ‘Do business with these until I come back.’ 14 But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ 15 When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. 16 The first came forward and said, ‘Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.’ 17 He said to him, ‘Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.’ 18 Then the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your pound has made five pounds.’ 19 He said to him, ‘And you, rule over five cities.’ 20 Then the other came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 He said to him, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.’ 24 He said to the bystanders, ‘Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’ 25 (And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten pounds!’) 26 ‘I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27 But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.’”

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 New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2022, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2021 was Year B. 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 Bible Readings for Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Psalm 142; Habakkuk 3:17-19; Luke 19:11-27

The Morning Prayer for Wednesday, November 2, 2022

 

The Morning Prayer
Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

— Colossians 3:1–2 (NIV)

Lord our God, we thank you for sending into our lives so much that turns our thoughts to things above and enables us always to look to you. Through Jesus Christ send us what is of heaven. Send what is of heaven into every single life and into the lives of the nations, so that something good may arise and the glory does not go to the Devil but to your Spirit, your heavenly Spirit alone. In their stubbornness people intend to do evil, but you can turn it all to the good. You can change everything. This is our faith. We hope in you, and we want to put our lives in your hands. Bless us with heavenly riches and power. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Wednesday, November 2, 2022

 

Verse of the Day
Wednesday, November 2, 2022

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Peter uses the wonderful descriptions that were originally applied to Israel to portray the position we enjoy as believers in Christ (Ex. 19:5, 6). As the church, we do not replace Israel as God’s people. Rather, we have been “grafted in” to His family through Christ (Rom. 11:17). Just as Israel was called to be a blessing to the nations (Gen. 28:14), we are, too. We are chosen, royal, and holy people who have the opportunity to represent Him to a lost and dying world.

Read all of First Peter Chapter 2

Listen to First Peter Chapter 2

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

Travel the World from Home — Modern Day Jerusalem: The Temple Mount & Old City Markets

 

The Holy Land:

Connecting the Land with Its Stories
Modern Day Jerusalem: The Temple Mount & Old City Markets
Season 1 — Episode 2

In episode 2, Dr. Jack Beck takes in views of the Temple Mount, then moves through the Old City Markets, where he meets three friends of different faiths — Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. At the Western Wall, get up close to the heartbeat of Jerusalem and reflect on how this city represents different things to different people.

Season 1 — Episode 2 | Modern Day Jerusalem: The Temple Mount & Old City Markets

The Daily Bible Readings for Tuesday, November 1, 2022

The Daily Bible Readings

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Psalm 142; Habakkuk 3:1-16; Jude 5-21

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 142

(The righteous will surround me)

Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors
A Maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A Prayer.
1  With my voice I cry to the Lord;
     with my voice I make supplication to the Lord.
2  I pour out my complaint before him;
     I tell my trouble before him.
3  When my spirit is faint,
     you know my way.

   In the path where I walk
     they have hidden a trap for me.
4  Look on my right hand and see—
     there is no one who takes notice of me;
   no refuge remains to me;
     no one cares for me.

5  I cry to you, O Lord;
     I say, “You are my refuge,
     my portion in the land of the living.”
6  Give heed to my cry,
     for I am brought very low.

   Save me from my persecutors,
     for they are too strong for me.
7  Bring me out of prison,
     so that I may give thanks to your name.
   The righteous will surround me,
     for you will deal bountifully with me.

Habakkuk 3:1-16

(A prophet prays)

3:1 A prayer of the prophet Habakkuk according to Shigionoth.

The Prophet’s Prayer
2  O Lord, I have heard of your renown,
     and I stand in awe, O Lord, of your work.
   In our own time revive it;
     in our own time make it known;
     in wrath may you remember mercy.
3  God came from Teman,
     the Holy One from Mount Paran.   Selah
   His glory covered the heavens,
     and the earth was full of his praise.
4  The brightness was like the sun;
     rays came forth from his hand,
     where his power lay hidden.
5  Before him went pestilence,
     and plague followed close behind.
6  He stopped and shook the earth;
     he looked and made the nations tremble.
   The eternal mountains were shattered;
     along his ancient pathways
     the everlasting hills sank low.
7  I saw the tents of Cushan under affliction;
     the tent-curtains of the land of Midian trembled.
8    Was your wrath against the rivers, O Lord?
     Or your anger against the rivers,
     or your rage against the sea,
   when you drove your horses,
     your chariots to victory?
9  You brandished your naked bow,
     sated were the arrows at your command.   Selah
     You split the earth with rivers.
10 The mountains saw you, and writhed;
     a torrent of water swept by;
   the deep gave forth its voice.
     The sun raised high its hands;
11 the moon stood still in its exalted place,
     at the light of your arrows speeding by,
     at the gleam of your flashing spear.
12 In fury you trod the earth,
     in anger you trampled nations.
13 You came forth to save your people,
     to save your anointed.
   You crushed the head of the wicked house,
     laying it bare from foundation to roof.   Selah
14 You pierced with their own arrows the head of his
         warriors,
     who came like a whirlwind to scatter us,
     gloating as if ready to devour the poor who were in
         hiding.
15 You trampled the sea with your horses,
     churning the mighty waters.

16 I hear, and I tremble within;
     my lips quiver at the sound.
   Rottenness enters into my bones,
     and my steps tremble beneath me.
   I wait quietly for the day of calamity
     to come upon the people who attack us.

Jude 5-21

(Warning against sinners)

Judgment on False Teachers
5 Now I desire to remind you, though you are fully informed, that the Lord, who once for all saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their own position, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains in deepest darkness for the judgment of the great day. 7 Likewise, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which, in the same manner as they, indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural lust, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.

8 Yet in the same way these dreamers also defile the flesh, reject authority, and slander the glorious ones. 9 But when the archangel Michael contended with the devil and disputed about the body of Moses, he did not dare to bring a condemnation of slander against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 But these people slander whatever they do not understand, and they are destroyed by those things that, like irrational animals, they know by instinct. 11 Woe to them! For they go the way of Cain, and abandon themselves to Balaam’s error for the sake of gain, and perish in Korah’s rebellion. 12 These are blemishes on your love-feasts, while they feast with you without fear, feeding themselves. They are waterless clouds carried along by the winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the deepest darkness has been reserved forever.

14 It was also about these that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, “See, the Lord is coming with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all, and to convict everyone of all the deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16 These are grumblers and malcontents; they indulge their own lusts; they are bombastic in speech, flattering people to their own advantage.

Warnings and Exhortations
17 But you, beloved, must remember the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 for they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.” 19 It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. 20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; 21 keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

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 New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2022, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2021 was Year B. 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 Bible Readings for Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Psalm 142; Habakkuk 3:1-16; Jude 5-21

The Morning Prayer for Tuesday, November 1, 2022

 

The Morning Prayer
Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

— Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

Dear Father in heaven, we seek you and your kingdom. We gather to hear your Word so that we may receive strength for our own lives and for all our relationships with others. We want to stand firm, believing that in everything great and small your will is being done and that we may yet experience a new coming of your glory on earth. Then earthly concerns will no longer torment us and wear us out, but heavenly things may surround us and everything become new in accordance with your good, merciful, and perfect will. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Tuesday, November 1, 2022

 

Verse of the Day
Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Ephesians 1:18

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.

There is a big difference between having the blessings of God and actually enjoying them. We experience the riches of the Lord’s grace by learning what blessings He has provided for us and then laying hold of them by faith.

Read all of Ephesians Chapter 1

Listen to Ephesians Chapter 1

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

The Daily Bible Readings for Monday, October 31, 2022

The Daily Bible Readings

Monday, October 31, 2022

Psalm 142; Habakkuk 2:12-20; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

(Semi-continuous Reading Plan)

Psalm 142

(The righteous will surround me)

Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors
A Maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A Prayer.
1  With my voice I cry to the Lord;
     with my voice I make supplication to the Lord.
2  I pour out my complaint before him;
     I tell my trouble before him.
3  When my spirit is faint,
     you know my way.

   In the path where I walk
     they have hidden a trap for me.
4  Look on my right hand and see—
     there is no one who takes notice of me;
   no refuge remains to me;
     no one cares for me.

5  I cry to you, O Lord;
     I say, “You are my refuge,
     my portion in the land of the living.”
6  Give heed to my cry,
     for I am brought very low.

   Save me from my persecutors,
     for they are too strong for me.
7  Bring me out of prison,
     so that I may give thanks to your name.
   The righteous will surround me,
     for you will deal bountifully with me.

Habakkuk 2:12-20

(Knowledge of the glory of God)

12 “Alas for you who build a town by bloodshed,
     and found a city on iniquity!”
13 Is it not from the Lord of hosts
     that peoples labor only to feed the flames,
     and nations weary themselves for nothing?
14 But the earth will be filled
     with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord,
     as the waters cover the sea.

15 “Alas for you who make your neighbors drink,
     pouring out your wrath until they are drunk,
     in order to gaze on their nakedness!”
16 You will be sated with contempt instead of glory.
     Drink, you yourself, and stagger!
   The cup in the Lord’s right hand
     will come around to you,
     and shame will come upon your glory!
17 For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you;
     the destruction of the animals will terrify you—
   because of human bloodshed and violence to the earth,
     to cities and all who live in them.

18 What use is an idol
     once its maker has shaped it—
     a cast image, a teacher of lies?
   For its maker trusts in what has been made,
     though the product is only an idol that cannot speak!
19 Alas for you who say to the wood, “Wake up!”
     to silent stone, “Rouse yourself!”
     Can it teach?
   See, it is gold and silver plated,
     and there is no breath in it at all.

20 But the Lord is in his holy temple;
     let all the earth keep silence before him!

1 Corinthians 5:9-13

(Drive out the wicked)

Sexual Immorality Must Be Judged
5:9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral persons— 10 not at all meaning the immoral of this world, or the greedy and robbers, or idolaters, since you would then need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother or sister who is sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber. Do not even eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging those outside? Is it not those who are inside that you are to judge? 13 God will judge those outside. “Drive out the wicked person from among 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 New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2022, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2021 was Year B. 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 Bible Readings for Monday, October 31, 2022
Psalm 142; Habakkuk 2:12-20; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

The Morning Prayer for Monday, October 31, 2022

 

The Morning Prayer
Monday, October 31, 2022

Let those who fear the Lord say: "His love endures forever." When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

— Psalm 118:4–6 (NIV)

Lord our God, dear Father in heaven, we thank you. How often you rescue us from all fear and distress! How often you hear and answer us! Grant that our hearts may always be eager and joyful because you answer us. There is nothing else for us in this world; you are our one hope, our only hope. You alone can help our times, help the nations, help each person. Nothing else matters to us. Lord our God, for the rest of our life on earth you alone are our help, our comfort, and our strength. Amen.