Today's Verses: 1 John 3:2-3 (ESV)

2 Beloved, we are zGod’s children cnow, and what we will be dhas not yet appeared; but we know that ewhen he appears1 fwe shall be like him, because gwe shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who hthus hopes in him ipurifies himself as he is pure.

z [See ver. 1 above]
c Rom. 8:15; Gal. 3:26; Eph. 1:5
d [Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17]
e ch. 2:28
1 Or when it appears
f Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18; 4:11; Phil. 3:21; 2 Pet. 1:4
g John 17:24; 1 Cor. 13:12; Rev. 22:4
h Rom. 15:12
i 2 Cor. 7:1

John urges his audience to be like Christ now, because if we know that our destiny is to be with Him, we will find ourselves moving in that direction, even now, as we anticipate our future with Him.

Hymn of the Day: WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN - Eliza E. Hewitt, 1851–1920

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
sing His mercy and His grace;
in the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.

While we walk the pilgrim pathway
clouds will over-spread the sky;
but when trav’ling days are over
not a shadow, not a sigh.

Let us then be true and faithful,
trusting, serving ev’ry day;
just one glimpse of Him in glory
will the toils of life repay.

Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
soon the pearly gates will open—
We shall tread the streets of gold.

Chorus: When we all get to heaven,
what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
we’ll sing and shout the victory.

Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 100

Today's Comments: The watchword for today is anticipation. If we anticipate His coming, we worship as if He is coming; we behave as if He is coming. We love our neighbor as we love ourselves; we stop our arguing and bickering about theological differences and try to find a common ground where we can sing our hymns of praise and lift our hands and arms in prayer together. Let us be reminded of His promise to us; let us remember that there is one Father, one faith, one hope in Jesus Christ, and one Church.

Today's Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)


But thanks be to God, awho gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

a [Rom. 8:37; 1 John 5:4]

It is Jesus' power over death in the resurrection that gives us the victory. It is a victory which is both complete and eternal. It is a victory which transcends the worldly and encompasses all that there was, is, or ever will be.

Today's Comments: When I hear this verse, I can't help but hear the music that Georg Frederich Handel wrote in his oratorio, the Messiah. Listen by clicking on this link.

I also can't help but think about Beverly's comments about the pastor who worshiped in Africa.

This "Minister told us he will NEVER sing about God again as long as he lives. While in Africa he noticed how different the worship is when you sing TO GOD AND FOR GOD.

I think if I should go to Africa and hold one of those thin abused native babies in my arms, my life could be changed FOREVER. i WOULD HAVE A SMALL TASTE OF WHAT Mother Teresa taught us."

The Africans have the right idea about the Resurrection. They know that their pain and anguish is so brief as compared with the rest of eternity. They understand that on the last day, when their tribulation will have ended, that their voices will be heard praising God throughout the firmament. And so, they continue to sing His praise, even now.

Today's Verse: Jeremiah 33:2-3 (ESV)

qCall to me and I will answer you, rand will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

q ch. 29:12; Ps. 91:15
r Isa. 48:6

Jeremiah, the prophet, preached to a nation which had already sealed its doom. Up to that time, according to The Teacher's Commentary, Judah had lived in material comfort but in spiritual apostasy. Yet, even in impending doom, God, through His prophet, Jeremiah, sent hope to His people for a new covenant.

Today's Comments: Just as God sent hope through Jeremiah, , He sends hope to all of us for the salvation that extends to us, today, in His Son, Jesus Christ. And yet, today, even some of us may have to suffer for that hope, like those in Judah, who were exiled to a foreign land.

Today is the Lesser Feast of James Hannington and the Martyrs of Uganda. These children and men were martyred in the name of Christ, suffering for that hope so that others would believe and worship. Below is some biographical information and my homily for the service which I am conducting at church tonight:

Background Information: James Hannington and the Martyrs of Uganda, 29 October 1885

Among the new nations of Africa, Uganda is the most predominantly Christian. Mission work began there in the 1870's with the favor of King Mutesa, who died in 1884. However, his son and successor, King Mwanga, opposed all foreign presence, including the missions.

James Hannington, born in 1847, was sent out from England in 1884 by the Anglican Church as missionary Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa. As he was travelling toward Uganda, he was apprehended by emissaries of King Mwanga. He and his companions were brutally treated and, a week later, October 29, 1885, most of them were put to death. Hannington's last words were: "Go tell your master that I have purchased the road to Uganda with my blood."

On June 3, 1886 (see Biography), a group of 32 men and boys, 22 Roman Catholics and 10 Anglicans, were burned at the stake, including the thirteen-year-old Kizito, who went to his death "laughing and chattering." These and many other Ugandan Christians suffered for their faith, then and even into the next century. In 1977, many other Christians also suffered death for their faith under the tyrant Idi Amin.
 
Homily: The Martyrs of Uganda - 3 June 1886

On June 3,1886, thirty-two young men were burned to death at Namugongo for their refusal to renounce Christianity. In the following months many other Christians throughout the country died by spear or fire for their faith.

These martyrdoms totally changed the dynamics of Christian growth in Uganda. Introduced by a handful of Anglican and Roman missionaries after 1877, the Christian faith had been preached only to the immediate members of the court, by order of King Mutesa. His successor, Mwanga, became increasingly jealous and angry as he realized that the first converts put loyalty to Christ above traditional loyalty to the king. Martyrdoms began in 1885. Mwanga first forbade anyone to go near a Christian mission on pain of death, but finding himself unable to cool the ardor of the converts, he resolved to wipe out Christianity, altogether, by murdering all who worshiped Jesus Christ.

The Namugongo martyrdoms produced a result entirely opposite to Mwanga's intentions. The example of these martyrs, who walked to their deaths singing hymns and praying for their enemies, so inspired many of the bystanders that they began to seek instruction from the remaining Christians. Within a few years the original handful of converts had multiplied and spread far beyond the court of Uganda’s King. The martyrs had left an indelible impression that Christianity was truly African, and not just the religion of the white man. Most of the missionary work was carried out by Africans rather than by white missionaries, and Christianity spread steadily. Uganda now has the largest percentage of professed Christians of any nation in Africa.

Renewed persecution of Christians in the 1970's by the military dictator Idi Amin confirmed the vitality of the example set by the Namugongo martyrs. Among the thousands of new martyrs, both Anglican and Roman, was Janani Luwum, Anglican Archbishop of the Church of Uganda..

I think that it is difficult for us, here in the West to understand the suffering and traumatic experience that people in many other countries experience for the Gospel. In the Gospel for today, Jesus predicted that many of his disciples would go through martyrdom. That prediction has remained true down through the ages and applies as much to modern disciples as it did to those who followed our Lord, then. And it is remarkable that some of the strongest Christian faith, today, exists in Africa, despite the persecution that took place there.

The other night, I wrote in my blog the following message, which applies, I believe, to today’s reading:

As we read in several of the Gospel accounts, the more that Jesus talked about death, the fewer seemed to follow him. Those who did, made a choice. Those who didn't also made a choice. And today, we are given the same choice. Do we risk all that is worldly and follow Jesus, knowing that we may have to suffer for our beliefs, or do we keep safely to our world possessions and our standard of temporal living and ignore God's promise of eternal life.

While we may not be asked to pay with our lives for our belief in the Lord, we are often asked to bear a cross. With some of us, it may be the sickness or death of a loved one. With others, it may be a broken relationship. In other countries, however, like China or the Middle East, or even at times in our nation, like during the massacre at Columbine, we may be asked to give our lives. As Christians, we should be prepared.

Today's Verse: Exodus 8:9 (ESV)

Moses said to Pharaoh, “Be pleased to command me when uI am to plead for you and for your servants and for your people, that the frogs be cut off from you and your houses and be left only in the Nile.”

u [See ver. 8 above]

After Moses called down the plague of frogs on the land of Egypt, Pharaoh promised that he would let the Israelites go to sacrifice to the Lord if Moses would plead with God to cut off the plague. Instead of just saying, "OK," Moses asked Pharaoh "when?"

Today's Comments: There is something significant about this passage and the reply that Moses gave to Pharaoh. A reading of the account of the second plague in Exodus, Chapter 8, shows that God was not the only one who could conjure up a plague of frogs. Pharaoh's magicians were able to do this, also. By bringing in an additional dimension, that of time, Moses knew that he could show additional proof of God's power. While Pharaoh's magicians may have been able to create an illusion in space, it would be much more difficult for them to have control of both dimensions of space and time. Pharaoh also knew this, and perhaps that was the reason for his reply of "tomorrow."

Poem of the Day:

I wrote this poem several years ago after reading verses in the Apocrypha Book of Wisdom, Chapter 11. It reminds us of the power of God in our lives, and in the history that surrounds us.. :

A Lesson from the Book of Wisdom

copyright© Steve Sterry

There is no god beside thee,

Whose care is for all men.

Thy strength, the source of righteousness;

On thy mercy, we depend

With sovereign strength, thy judgment

And power infinite,

And great forbearance governing

a world hardly fit.

Yet, hope is there for all men;

in thy mercy we will win.

In thy love we'll find redemption

And forgiveness from all sin.

Today's Verse: 1 Corinthians 6:17 (ESV)

But he who is joined to the Lord mbecomes one spirit with him.
m Eph. 4:4; [John 17:21–23]

The Teacher's Commentary suggests that Paul's writings in this section were for the purpose of laying down principles for church discipline. Good discipline suggests:

• professing Christians who practice immorality should be expelled from the church.
• disputes between Christians should be settled amongst themselves, not in courts of law.
• sexual immorality is wrong.

The particular verse referenced for today deals with sexual immorality. It basically says that, as we are joined together with God in one spirit in a relationship with Christ, so must we pay close attention to what we do with our bodies, because to abuse our bodies in sexual immorality is an abuse of our spiritual relationship with Christ.

Today's Comments: The section on Christian Behavior, in the publication entitled Introducing the New Testament suggests that Christians are not free to do as they will, but they are free to serve God, to whom they belong. Immorality is not serving God. Our union in spirit with Christ suggests that anything that we do in either thought or with our bodies should be pleasing to God. Sexual immorality is, in God's eyes, repugnant, and I believe that the Bible points this out clearly. This, in my opinion, also refers to bodily acts that are performed between consenting homosexuals, even when they are involved in what they believe is a committed relationship.

Today's Verse: Romans 8:6 (ESV)

For to set uthe mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

u ver. 13; [Col. 2:18]; See ch. 6:21

When Paul talks about setting one's mind upon the flesh or the spirit, he is talking about a way of thinking. Do we rely on God, or do we rely on one's own strength?

Today's Comments: I am currently taking a course at Talbot in Bible Land theology in preparation for a trip at the end of the year to Israel. Most of us who have studied the Bible to some degree remember that after the death of Solomon, Israel was doomed to split, because Solomon had sinned by bringing foreign gods and foreign wives into Israel and Judah. And while many of the kings in Judah were bad, because they did wrong in the sight of the Lord, all of the kings of Israel were condemned. The difference between the good kings and the bad things was a difference of mindset. The good kings of Judah had their minds set on the spirit, while the bad kings of both kingdoms had their minds set on the flesh. And, God rewarded the good and punished the bad.

Poem of the Day: Beverly Caruso has sent me some poems, and I plan to add them to my blog weekly, when appropriate to the verse. Besides being an amateur poet and a Pentecostal Christian, Beverly is a former liturgical dancer. She explains liturgical dancing thusly:

"David danced before the King. It is various dance moves to scripture. The moves are graceful and never suggestive."

An example of liturgical dancing can be found by clicking on this link. Until now, I never thought of dancing as a form of worship. But David did.

Softly

Softly the sunset moves across the sky
A solid blue suddenly diffuses into
Many different HUES
Gentle whispers of purple edge
Their way in layers
Against a FLAME of orange
Spreading the view
“I’m waiting, I’m waiting, creating
a moment in time
Just for YOU

Softly, heaven’s prelude
To the night
Draws us into god’s
Pictureframe of delight
Linger a while, rest with me
Search and you will see
Nature at it’s BEST, tis
Only a “spec”
Compared to eternity
With ME!

Beverly Caruso

I welcome any additional comments or contributions from anybody who reads this blog.

Today's Verse: Acts 9:31 (ESV)

So ethe church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And fwalking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, git multiplied.

e [ch. 8:1; 16:5]
f [Neh. 5:9]
g ver. 35, 42

The early church was made up of a true fellowship of human beings. And yet, there were always pressures. And yet, despite the pressures of the world, the church grew. One of the reasons that the church grew so fast can be attributed to one man, Saul of Tarsus, who became the apostle Paul. This former prosecutor of the Christian fellowship with the calling of God, became a Christian, and not quietly. He became one of the greatest preachers of all time. And, it was, to a great extent, because of him, that the Christian Church grew so fast.

Today's Comments: Jesus told his disciples to spread the Gospel in Jerusalem, then Judea, and then to the world. They did just that. And, through the influence of one man, Paul, the person most unlikely to have been considered an apostle of Jesus, the word spread even faster.

Each of us possesses our own time, talents, and treasures. My late-life vocation is to be a Deacon in God's church, working with military reservists, and National Guard members. And, I have several friends, some of whom I have known for years, and some of who I have recently met that are out there doing God's work. I know that there are a few people out there that are reading this blog, and in the next few months, I would like to tell the few readers that there about them.

I am going to give you a few clues about several of the people. I have one friend who is involved in animal rescue. I have another who is a liturgical dancer, using her body in dance to worship God; she is also a wonderful poet. Another visits prisoners, and another has devoted her time to working with outcasts in India.

I am absolutely amazed at the wonderful people that I have met in recent years that have dedicated their lives to God. These are the modern Pauls (or Paulines) --- people who are so dedicated that through them or because of them, the church continues to grow and take on new ideas. We all need to look for the Paul inside of us, and let it come out.

Today's Verse: Deuteronomy 8:18 (ESV)

You shall remember the Lord your God, for rit is he who gives you power to get wealth, sthat he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

r [Prov. 10:22; Hos. 2:8]
s ch. 7:8, 12

According to The Bible Reader's Companion, there is no such person as a self-made man. All that we have comes from God.

Today's Comment: The context of this verse is especially important. The Israelites spent forty years during the exodus learning that God could and would provide for their needs. Part of their arrangement with God was the sacrifice, in which they gave back to God a tenth of what was His.

When we put our offering into the plate at church, we often forget that what we are doing is giving back to God that which He has given to us. One of our offertory sentences goes like this, "All things come of thee, oh Lord, and of thine own have we given thee." Let us not forget this.

Today's Verses: Mark 8:34-35 (ESV)

34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him cdeny himself and dtake up his cross and follow me. 35 For dwhoever would save his life4 will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake eand the gospel’s will save it."

c [2 Tim. 2:12, 13]
d See Matt. 10:38, 39
d [See ver. 34 above]
4 The same Greek word can mean either soul or life, depending on the context; twice in this verse and once in verse 36 and once in verse 37
e ch. 10:29; [1 Cor. 9:23; 2 Tim. 1:8; Philem. 13]

Jesus, in this passage, begins to focus on His disciples, as the events of His death and resurrection approach. Now He talks to them about, not only his on death, but also the death that some of his disciples would have to suffer, as well. Most of those disciples who were willing to follow Jesus would experience new life through their own self denial and death at the hands of others.

Hymn of the Day: WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE? - Frances R. Havergal, 1836–1879

1. Who is on the Lord’s side?
Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side?
Who will face the foe?
Who is on the Lord’s side?
Who for Him will go?

2. Not for weight of glory,
not for crown and palm,
enter we the army,
raise the warrior psalm;
but for Love that claimeth
lives for whom He died:
He whom Jesus nameth
must be on His side.

3. Jesus, Thou hast bought us,
not with gold or gem,
but with Thine own life-blood,
for Thy diadem.
With Thy blessing filling
each who comes to Thee.
Thou has made us willing;
Thou hast made us free.

4. Fierce may be the conflict,
strong may be the foe,
but the King’s own army
none can overthrow.
Round His standard ranging,
vict’ry is secure,
for His truth unchanging
makes the triumph sure.

Refrain:
1. By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,
2. By Thy love constraining, by Thy grace divine,
3. By Thy grand redemption, by Thy grace divine,
4. Joyfully enlisting, by Thy grace divine,
WE ARE ON THE LORD’S SIDE—SAVIOR, WE ARE THINE!

Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 313

Today's Comments: As we read in at least one other of the Gospel accounts, the more that Jesus talked about death, the fewer seemed to follow him. Those who did, made a choice. Those who didn't also made a choice. And today, we are given the same choice. Do we risk all that is worldly and follow Jesus, knowing that we may have to suffer for our beliefs, or do we keep safely to our world possessions and our standard of temporal living and deny God's promise of eternal life.

While we may not be asked to pay with our lives for our belief in the Lord, we are often asked to bear a cross. With some of us, it may be the sickness or death of a loved one. With others, it may be a broken relationship. In other countries, however, like China or the Middle East, or even at times in our nation, like during the massacre at Columbine, we may be asked to give our lives. As Christians, we should be prepared.

Today's Verses: 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (ESV)

Divisions in the Church

But I, brothers,1 could not address you as aspiritual people, but as bpeople of the flesh, as cinfants in Christ. 2 dI fed you with milk, not solid food, for eyou were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is fjealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

1 Or brothers and sisters
a ch. 2:15; Rom. 7:14
b [ch. 2:14]
c Heb. 5:13; [ch. 2:6]
d Heb. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 2:2
e John 16:12
f Gal. 5:19, 20; [ch. 1:11; 11:18; Rom. 13:13]

As previously mentioned, the Church of Corinth was plagued by divisions. The beginning of this chapter refers to these divisions, in particular to the behavior of church members with respect to those divisions. Paul attempts to lighten the criticism by addressing church members as "brothers." At the same time, by using this term, he acknowledges his love and care for them. In particular, Paul refers to their jealousy and quarreling amongst each other, certainly behavior that lacks spirituality and love.

Today's Comments: The comments above are certainly not foreign to what is happening in our churches today. As I was writing this, I thought about an old friend who is an unemployed parish priest in the Episcopal Church. He has been unemployed for quite some time, because at the last church where he served as temporary rector, he let his views against same-sex marriage be known. He is considering entry into the Roman Catholic Church under the new rules for Anglicans.

How does this relate to what Paul says above? It relates with respect to the fact that God is about love, caring, and truth, not about human squabbles and quarrels. The Bible contains the truth of God revealed to us. It is the solid food that we need for our spiritual maintenance. And, when we allow our own desires of the flesh interfere with that truth, then we strain (two meanings intended) and dilute that food which God provides to nourish us. The bottom line is that we should follow Christ, not the desires of our own flesh. As far as I am concerned, same sex marriage is one of those desires of our own flesh and not ordained by God.

Today's Verses: Psalm 103:2-5 (ESV)

2 yBless the Lord, O my soul,
and zforget not all his benefits,
3 who aforgives all your iniquity,
who bheals all your diseases,
4 who credeems your life from the pit,
who dcrowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who esatisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like fthe eagle’s.

y [See ver. 1 above]
z Deut. 6:12; 8:11
a Ex. 34:7; Isa. 33:24; Matt. 9:2; Mark 2:5; [Luke 7:47]
b Ps. 107:20; 147:3; Ex. 15:26; [Matt. 8:17]
c See Ps. 56:13
d [Ps. 5:12]
e Ps. 107:9
f Isa. 40:31

The purpose of this psalm is to praise God, who has revealed himself to us. The writer, David, therefore, praises God for how great that He is. David speaks from his heart.

Hymn of the Day: PRAISE, MY SOUL, THE KING OF HEAVEN - Henry F. Lyte, 1793–1847

This hymn was used as the processional for the consecration of Robert Duncan as the Archbishop of the new Anglican Church in North America. If you want to see that video, click on this link.

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to His feet thy tribute bring;
ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore His praises sing:
Alleluia! Praise the Everlasting king!

Father-like, He tends and spares us,
well our feeble frame He knows;
in His hands He gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes:
Alleluia! Widely yet His mercy flows!

Angels in the height, adore Him;
ye behold Him face to face;
Sun and moon, bow down before Him,
dwellers all in time and space:
Alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace!

Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 332

Today's Comments: David had a lot to praise God about--- especially forgiveness. I think that he could have written the hymn above. God's love is demonstrated through His forgiveness, and his healing not only extends to physical diseases, but it also encompasses the disease of sin. If we look at our God and compare him with the gods that others worship, we find that only our God is a forgiving God. He is forgiving to the point that He sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins on a cross so that we might be forgiven and stand righteous before Him. Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven!!!

Today's Verse: John 15:13 (ESV)

qGreater love has no one than this, rthat someone lay down his life for his friends.

q Rom. 5:7, 8; Eph. 5:2
r See ch. 10:11

According to The Bible Reader's Companion, the key to an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ is obedience, while the key to relationship with others is love. And, as the Bible Knowledge Commentary states, the ultimate act of love that one can do for a friend is to die for that friend.

Hymn of the Day: WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS - an authentic American Folk Hymn

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

When I was sinking down, sinking down,
when I was sinking down, sinking down;
when I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul;
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb who is the great “I Am,
” while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
while millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and through eternity I’ll sing on.
Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 53

Today's Comments: The Bible is full of stories about one person giving their life for another. And those in the military are very familiar with this idea. On November 8th I am honored to attend a memorial for Lance Corporal Abraham Simpson, son of State Military Reserve Warrant Officer Candidate James Simpson. Abraham Simpson was killed in action at Fallujah, Iraq on 9 November in 2004. It is the soldier who, probably more than any other person on earth, understands what it is to sacrifice one's life for another. It is the giving of one life so that the other might live. It is a Christ-like action, remembering that Jesus Christ laid down His life for us so that our souls will live in eternity. There is no higher love than that.

Today's Verses: Hebrews 10:35-38 (ESV)

35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has xa great reward. 36 For yyou have need of endurance, so that zwhen you have done the will of God you may areceive what is promised. 37 For,
b“Yet a little while,
and cthe coming one will come and will not delay;
38 dbut my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”

x ch. 2:2; 11:26
y ch. 12:1–7; Luke 21:19; Rom. 2:7; 12:12; See Matt. 10:22
z ch. 13:21; [1 John 2:17]
a ch. 11:39
b Isa. 26:20; Hag. 2:6; Luke 18:8
c Cited from Hab. 2:3, 4
d Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11

The Bible Reader's Companion reminds us that perseverance is the consequence of confidence. In other words, God often calls us to patiently endure by overcoming difficulty and withstanding pressure. Those Christians to whom the Letter to the Hebrews is addressed did just that. They remained faithful despite persecution, suffering, and imprisonment and were called to hold on until Jesus would come again.

Hymn of the Day: BE STILL, MY SOUL - Katharina von Schlegel, 1697–?
English Translation-Jane L. Borthwick, 1813–1897 (Click on title to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing this hymn. A more traditional version can be heard by clicking on this link)

Be still, my soul—the Lord is on thy side!
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to thy God to order and provide—
In ev’ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul—thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul—thy God doth undertake
to guide the future as He has the past;
thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake—
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul—the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 28

Today's Comments: As I study for the class for my trip to Israel, I am reminded of the patience of King David. David lived in exile, being constantly pursued by the demented and paranoid King Saul. At least twice, he had the chance to become Israel's king by just running a spear through Saul's heart. And yet, David had the patience of a lion and would not kill God's anointed king, telling his men to wait until God, Himself should decide to intervene.

I am also reminded of the situation in my own church, where we have lost several members because they are impatient and want us to withdraw from the Episcopal Church because of its apostasy. Like David, during his exile from Saul, we have entered our own wilderness and must wait for God's instructions, not man's. Those who have left, I believe, have done so out of misunderstanding for what God's Church is. Denominations mean nothing to God, they are a creation of man. One might even be able to say that denominationalism, itself, is a heresy.

Today's Verse: Proverbs 21:1 (ESV)

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;
he yturns it wherever he will.

y [Ezra 6:22]

This proverb confirms the fact that God has the power to direct the doings of Earth's Kings. Even the most heathen or autocratic king is not free to escape from God's purpose. Instead, God will turn the evil of kings to His purpose.

Today's Comments: The Old Testament is full of references to God's actions in turning the hearts of kings and leaders. For example, He hardened the heart of Pharaoh. The Book of Kings is full of examples where God has used the kings of evil nations and enemies of Israel to turn His people away from apostasy. While the king may be the chief administrator of justice on Earth, it is God who administers His justice to whoever He wishes, whenever He wishes and wherever He wishes. And, it is often through both good and evil rulers that God works to discipline His people and bring them back to the right path. Are we due for a correction in this nation because of our apostasy?

Today's Verse: John 14:13 (ESV)

zWhatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that athe Father may be glorified in the Son.

z ch. 15:16; 16:23, 24; See Matt. 7:7
a See ch. 13:31

John, in this chapter relates the last words that Jesus spoke to His disciples. The Teacher's Commentary points out that Jesus, by choice, spent the last hours of His life with His disciples explaining how to keep an intimate relationship with God. It is at this point that Jesus starts talking to His disciples about their relationship with God, once He is removed from their presence. He knew that once He was gone, His disciples would feel deserted and alone. He wanted His disciples to know that it was not necessary that He be present to empower them. All they had to do is ask in His name, and whatever they asked would be done.

Today's Comments: For us, this verse means that even in His death and resurrection, Jesus would continue to act in the world and would answer those prayers that we bring to Him. And, in answering our prayers, Jesus brings glory to the Father.

Does this mean that whatever we pray will be answered? The Bible Exposition Commentary attempts to provide us with that answer by suggesting certain conditions that we must meet:

• We must pray in faith. God works through the faithful.
• We must pray in Christ's name. That means that we should ask what Jesus would ask. It means that we just can't ask for anything, we much act responsibly and with Jesus in mind and in our heart.
• We must pray in loving obedience. For example, when we sometimes pray for justice, we may not necessarily pray in loving obedience. We more likely may be praying for revenge.

Christ, then, is our mediator, bringing our prayers before the Father. We pray to the Father (as in the Lord's Prayer) through our mediator and advocate, Jesus Christ. We pray through Jesus as his followers and on His authority. And, when we do that, our prayers will be granted.

Today's Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

qFor our sake he made him to be sin rwho knew no sin, so that in him we might become sthe righteousness of God.

q Rom. 8:3; Gal. 3:13; See Rom. 4:25
r See 1 Pet. 2:22
s See Rom. 1:17; 1 Cor. 1:30

The Teacher's Commentary reminds us that one of Paul's purposes in writing his letters to the Corinthians was to remind them of the progressive transformation that occurs in all believers. That transformation was hindered by doctrinal dispute, division, confusion about spiritual gifts, and even immorality that was fostered by the local congregations. Thus, Paul expresses, in his letters to the Church in Corinth the theme of reconciliation. Reconciliation refers to bringing one into harmony--- in this particular case, harmony with God. We are unable to stand before God in our own sinfulness. It is only because of the intercession of Jesus Christ, the perfect lamb, who died for our sins, can we be issued the clothing of righteousness so that we can stand before God.

Hymn of the Day: JESUS LOVES EVEN ME - Words and Music by Philip P. Bliss, 1838–1876 (Click on the hyperlink in the title to hear this song)

I am so glad that our Father in heav’n
tells of His love in the Book He has giv’n;
wonderful things in the Bible I see—
this is the dearest that Jesus loves me.

Tho I forget Him and wander away,
still He doth love me wherever I stray;
back to His dear loving arms would I flee
when I remember that Jesus loves me.

O if there’s only one song I can sing
when in His beauty I see the great King,
this shall my song in eternity be:
“O what a wonder that Jesus loves me!”

Chorus: I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me;
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.

Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 58

Today's Comments: Look at the verse again. I think that there is a part that most of us miss. We all realize that Jesus Christ was sent by God as an offering for our sins, so that we might be reconciled to Him. But, we miss the first part: FOR OUR SAKE. God did not send His only beloved Son for His sake. It was, instead, FOR OUR SAKE because God created us as an act of love. And in love, he has saved His creation. Let us always remember that.

Today's Verse: Titus 2:11 (ESV)

For hthe grace of God ihas appeared, bringing salvation jfor all people,

h ch. 3:7; See Acts 11:23
i ch. 3:4
j [Ps. 67:2]; See 1 Tim. 2:4

We know very little about Titus, to whom Paul wrote this letter. Like Timothy, he probably was not a pastor. However, Paul's references suggest that Titus was not quite as timid as Timothy and may have been a better or more confident leader. According to The Teacher's Commentary, he was a Gentile who was uncircumcised and accompanied Paul and Barnabas on missionary journeys. The focus of Paul's letter to Titus was how to accomplish God's purpose in the world. And this verse confirms that God yearns for us to live fully, as He originally intended in His act of creation.

Hymn of the Day: GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN - Julia H. Johnston, 1849–1919 (click on the song title above to hear this hymn)

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured—
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Sin and despair, like the seawaves cold,
threaten the soul with infinite loss;
grace that is greater—yes, grace untold—
points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
what can avail to wash it away?
Look! there is flowing a crimson tide—
whiter than snow you may be today.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
will you this moment His grace receive?

Chorus: Grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin!

Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 172

Today's Comments: God's grace provides for our eternal salvation and abundance of life. We can call upon it in the time of need and to help us with our problems. God gives us His grace, not to allow us to live as we please, but to free us from our selfish, sinful nature. Our salvation comes as a gift. It is up to us and our freedom of choice whether or not we accept it.

Today's Verse: 2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV)

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Paul, of course, is writing to Timothy, with advice for Timothy's ministry. He also wrote this letter while he was in prison. The Bible Exposition Commentary suggests that Paul considered the fact that he suffered for his beliefs as proof that he was giving a godly life.

Today's Comments: The Bible Exposition Commentary reminds us that Paul would fail miserably today if he were to apply for a position as a Christian leader. He had a prison record, he was disabled, and he stirred up trouble in virtually every place that he visited. He was a poor tent-maker who refused to cater to the rich. And, of course, before he entered the ministry, he persecuted Christians. Obviously, he did not have a very good resume, did he? And yet, God used him like He had never used anybody else. Paul was faithful to the end. Are we? Will we? Like Timothy, we need to listen to Paul so that we may be faithful. So many Christians would prefer to ignore Paul, because he says things that we do not want to hear. The bottom line is that we should listen to Paul more, because we will be better Christians for it.

Today's Verses: Psalm 91:1-3 (ESV)

My Refuge and My Fortress

He who dwells in athe shelter of the Most High
will abide in bthe shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say1 to the Lord, “My crefuge and my dfortress,
my God, in whom I etrust.”
3 For he will deliver you from fthe snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.

a See Ps. 32:7
b Ps. 121:5; [Isa. 25:4; 32:2]
1 Septuagint He will say
c ver. 9; See Ps. 14:6
d See Ps. 18:2
e See Ps. 11:1
f Ps. 124:7; 140:5; 141:9; Prov. 6:5

The Teacher's Commentary reminds us that the focus of the Psalms is not human experience, it is God. And, praise is our response to God's revelation of himself to us. In this case, the psalmist expresses the fact that whoever trusts in God will find security and protection under Him. The Lord keeps us safe from all adversity.

Hymn of the Day: LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS - Elisha A. Hoffman, 1839–1929

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
what a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
leaning on the everlasting arms.

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
leaning on the everlasting arms.

Chorus: Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 87

Today's Comments: This hymn and the psalm which it references assure us of God's steadfast care and guidance for us and the peace of God, which He has given to us, along with the knowledge of His love and protection.

Today's Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:9 (ESV)

nGod is faithful, by whom you were called into the ofellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

n ch. 10:13; Deut. 7:9; Isa. 49:7; 2 Cor. 1:18
o 1 John 1:3

In Paul's greeting to the Church at Corinth, he gives thanks to God for His faithfulness to the Church. Paul was trying to deal with problems in the church, and it was for that reason that he wrote this epistle. This letter was written to a church that Paul had founded.

Today's Comments: Like the Church in Corinth, we are plagued by problems in our church. Many of those problems seem to be identical or similar. The Teacher's Commentary suggests that Paul was dealing with division in the church, discipline, marriage and divorce, doctrinal disputes, and the misunderstanding of spiritual (charismatic) gifts. Those seem like the same problems that we are dealing with in the church today, doesn't it? Like today's mainstream churches, the Church in Corinth was richly gifted in its membership. But, like ours, their struggle for faith was long and was being constantly blocked. Like many American cities, the city of Corinth was a center for trade, commerce, and communications, being well diversified in both population groups and cultures. In this epistle, Paul reminds us that God will work in our lives to keep us strong, because He is faithful to His church. And, because God calls us into fellowship with Him, He will make sure that, in the end, that His church will be purged of all heresy and that we will will finally achieve Christian fellowship with God, as well as one another.

Today's Verse: Proverbs 13:21 (ESV)

xDisaster4 pursues sinners, ybut the righteous are rewarded with good.

x [Ps. 11:6; 32:10]
4 Or Evil
y [ver. 13; Luke 6:38]

The righteous are assured of God's blessing and protection, while the wicked, though they may temporarily have riches, are destined for destruction. The general idea is that God guarantees eventual justice for all.

Today's Comments: Sin leads to trouble and disaster. God will repay the good, and the wicked will be punished. There is no place for them to flee. Matthew Henry says that "their damnation slumbers not, though they do."

Today's Verse: Matthew 17:20 (ESV)

He said to them, h“Because of your little faith. For itruly, I say to you, jif you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, kyou will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and lnothing will be impossible for you.”5

h [John 11:40]; See ch. 6:30
i ch. 21:21, 22; Mark 11:23
j Luke 17:6; [ch. 13:31]
k ver. 9; [1 Cor. 13:2]
l Mark 9:23
5 Some manuscripts insert verse 21: But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting

It is at this point in Matthew's Gospel that Jesus shifts his focus from His Kingdom to the cross, and he starts to prepare His disciples for both the events to come and for their ministry after He is taken from them. The Teacher's Commentary defines faith as a trusting response to God and His promises. In the context surrounding this particular verse, Jesus had just healed a boy with a demon after his disciples could not. Jesus then suggests that their faith was still too immature, to even be compared to the size of a mustard seed (one of the smallest of seeds in the world) and suggesting that with just that small amount of faith, they would be capable of moving mountains.

Today's Comments: The implication here is that, whatever the circumstances, we need to maintain our faith. That means continuing to fast, pray, and worship. We cannot give up. For if we do, we will become as powerless as those disciples who, at that particular time, may have suffered a temporary let-down. Just a little faith will give us power that will take us a long way. Just a little faith will enable us to move our mountains.

Today's Verses: 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 (ESV)

7 mLove bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, eendures all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

m ch. 9:12
e [See ver. 4 above]

In his First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul focuses on spiritual gifts. However, those gifts are useless or can be destructive unless used in love. Paul measures Christian maturity in terms of a growing love for God and for other human beings. It is generally recognized that Paul may have written this section, not as a treatise on Christian brotherhood, but to correct the misuse of spiritual gifts by those in the church.

Today's Comments: Yesterday, I blogged about the idea of justice and how it should first relate to love. Last night I received an email message that stated that somebody in our church (perhaps a parishioner or perhaps a parent from our Childrens' Learning Center) called the city to report that a family (who belong to our parish) were living in a camper parked in the church parking lot. Of course, most every one of us who attend the church knows about this family. The husband works full-time, and they have chosen to live in their camper to pay their student debts and so that they can continue their educations while saving for a down-payment on a future house.

Yes, one might suggest that justice was done, because they were breaking the local law. But this is a good example of what Paul was talking about. Whoever reported the local violation did so without love for their neighbor. The right thing to do first would be to offer a place or find a place where they would not be violating the law. Instead, that person who reported them committed a loveless act of justice, which itself turned into injustice.

Today's Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV)


17 For ithis light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 jas we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

i Rom. 8:18; 1 Pet. 1:6; 5:10; [Ps. 30:5; Isa. 54:7]
j ch. 5:7; Rom. 8:24; Heb. 11:1, 13

Paul suggests that we ignore our worldly troubles to focus on matters that are spiritual and provide us with progressive transformation into the likeness of Jesus. Paul first sought to address divisions in the church, promote reconciliation, and then unity and harmony with God. He reminds us that everything in the world is temporary. The spiritual, on the other hand, is eternal, and that is what we are to be fixed upon.

Today's Comments: It is easy for us to stay in the world and demand things like justice, equality, and right treatment. But when we stay in the world, we forget the part that should be reminding us to love our neighbor. Demanding justice against our enemies does not lead us to loving them. If we love them first, then justice is not necessary. Like the late Dorothy Sayers said,

Today's Verses: Matthew 18:15-16 (ESV)


If Your Brother Sins Against You

15 m“If your brother sins against you, ngo and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have ogained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established pby the evidence of two or three witnesses.

m Luke 17:3
n 2 Thess. 3:15; [Titus 3:10; James 5:19]; See Lev. 19:17
o 1 Cor. 9:19–22; 1 Pet. 3:1
p Deut. 19:15; 2 Cor. 13:1; [Num. 35:30; John 8:17; 1 Tim. 5:19; Heb. 10:28]

In these verses, Jesus tells his disciples what to do when one's brother sins against him or the church. Even those who are saved will face and will give into temptation.

Today's Comments: Jesus' words suggest that we are, in fact, our brother's keeper. The church and each individual member has a responsibility with respect to the behavior of others. If, in fact, the person whose behavior is in question is not willing to listen to those who observe their sinful behavior, then we are instructed to treat that person as an outsider.

This brings up an interesting question: is the behavior of those who lead the Episcopal Church so outrageous so that we should bear witness against them and treat them as we would treat the "Gentiles" and "tax collectors" of our day? Food for thought.

Today's Verse: 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

uIf we confess our sins, he is vfaithful and just to forgive us our sins and rto cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

u Ps. 32:5; 51:3; Prov. 28:13
v [Ps. 143:1; Rom. 3:26]
r [See ver. 7 above]

John called Christians to a life of simple love and obedience, reminding us that our behaviour shapes our lives and our relationship with the Lord.

Hymn of the Day: CLEANSE ME - J. Edwin Orr, 1912–1988

This hymn is from New Zealand which is sung to the Maori Song of Farewell:

Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
cleanse me from ev’ry sin and set me free.

I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
fulfill Thy Word and make me pure within.
Fill me with fire where once I burned with shame;
grant my desire to magnify Thy name.

Lord, take my life and make it wholly Thine;
fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine.
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord—in me abide.

O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
send a revival—start the work in me.
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
for blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.

Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 251

Today's Comments: I am reminded of David's confession of sin before God, after he had Uriah the Hittite killed and took Bathsheba as his wife. For even that, God forgave David. If we confess our sins, God forgives us. If we do not confess and hold our sins to ourselves, how can we expect to have any relationship with God at all. As a nation, as a church, and as individuals, we have a lot of confessing to do before God.

Today's Verse: Ephesians 4:17-19 (ESV)

The New Life

17 Now this I say and dtestify in the Lord, ethat you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, fin the futility of their minds. 18 They gare darkened in their understanding, halienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to itheir hardness of heart. 19 They jhave become callous and khave given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

d 1 Thess. 2:12
e ver. 22; ch. 2:1–3; Col. 3:7; 1 Pet. 4:3
f Rom. 1:21; 1 Pet. 1:18; [Col. 2:18; 2 Pet. 2:18]
g [Rom. 11:10]
h See ch. 2:12
i See Mark 3:5
j [Prov. 23:35]; 1 Tim. 4:2
k [1 Kgs. 21:25; Rom. 1:24, 26, 28]

Paul is telling us that Christians should no longer walk with the rest of the world--- A world that is separated from God.

Today's Comments: If we read this verse, it almost sounds like Paul is talking to us today. Just substitute the words "Lutherans" or Episcopalians." Can we assume that in their corruption they have lost their understanding and because of their sinful actions they have given themselves into their sensual practices and impure activities?