Monday 22 December 2008<span style="mso-spacerun:
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<p class="MsoNormal">DAILY LECTIONARY</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Email Evangelism, forward to a friend: http://www.dailylectionary.org</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Isaiah 11:1-9</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and a branch shall grow out of his roots.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the spirit of wisdom and understanding,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the spirit of counsel and might,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He shall not judge by what his eyes see,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>or decide by what his ears hear;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and faithfulness the belt around his loins.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The wolf shall live with the lamb,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the leopard shall lie down with the kid,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">the calf and the lion and the fatling together,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and a little child shall lead them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The cow and the bear shall graze,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their young shall lie down together;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They will not hurt or destroy</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>on all my holy mountain;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>as the waters cover the sea.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Revelation 20:1-10</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and locked and sealed it over him, so that he would deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be let out for a little while.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then I saw thrones, and those seated on them were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus* and for the word of God. They had not worshipped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. Over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, in order to gather them for battle; they are as numerous as the sands of the sea. They marched up over the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from heaven* and consumed them. And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulphur, where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">John 5:30-47</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgement is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>‘If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But I have a testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf. You have never heard his voice or seen his form, and you do not have his word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom he has sent.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>‘You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept glory from human beings. But I know that you do not have the love of God in* you. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Morning Psalms:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Psalm 61, 62</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 61</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Hear my cry, O God;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>listen to my prayer.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From the end of the earth I call to you,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>when my heart is faint.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lead me to the rock</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>that is higher than I;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">for you are my refuge,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>a strong tower against the enemy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let me abide in your tent for ever,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>find refuge under the shelter of your wings.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>Selah</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For you, O God, have heard my vows;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Prolong the life of the king;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>may his years endure to all generations!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May he be enthroned for ever before God;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So I will always sing praises to your name,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>as I pay my vows day after day.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 62</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For God alone my soul waits in silence;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>from him comes my salvation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He alone is my rock and my salvation,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>my fortress; I shall never be shaken.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How long will you assail a person,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>will you batter your victim, all of you,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>as you would a leaning wall, a tottering fence?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Their only plan is to bring down a person of prominence.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They take pleasure in falsehood;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">they bless with their mouths,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but inwardly they curse.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>Selah</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For God alone my soul waits in silence,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for my hope is from him.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He alone is my rock and my salvation,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>my fortress; I shall not be shaken.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On God rests my deliverance and my honour;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Trust in him at all times, O people;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>pour out your heart before him;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God is a refuge for us.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>Selah</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Those of low estate are but a breath,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>those of high estate are a delusion;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">in the balances they go up;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they are together lighter than a breath.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Put no confidence in extortion,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and set no vain hopes on robbery;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once God has spoken;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>twice have I heard this:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">that power belongs to God,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For you repay to all</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>according to their work.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Evening Psalms: Psalm 112, 115</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 112</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Happy are those who fear the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who greatly delight in his commandments.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Their descendants will be mighty in the land;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the generation of the upright will be blessed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wealth and riches are in their houses,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and their righteousness endures for ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is well with those who deal generously and lend,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who conduct their affairs with justice.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For the righteous will never be moved;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they will be remembered for ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They are not afraid of evil tidings;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their righteousness endures for ever;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their horn is exalted in honour.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The wicked see it and are angry;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they gnash their teeth and melt away;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 115</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Why should the nations say,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>‘Where is their God?’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our God is in the heavens;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he does whatever he pleases.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Their idols are silver and gold,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the work of human hands.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They have mouths, but do not speak;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>eyes, but do not see.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They have ears, but do not hear;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>noses, but do not smell.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They have hands, but do not feel;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>feet, but do not walk;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they make no sound in their throats.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Those who make them are like them;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>so are all who trust in them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">O Israel, trust in the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He is their help and their shield.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He is their help and their shield.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He is their help and their shield.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord has been mindful of us; he will bless us;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he will bless the house of Israel;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>he will bless the house of Aaron;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">he will bless those who fear the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>both small and great.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May the Lord give you increase,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>both you and your children.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May you be blessed by the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who made heaven and earth.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The heavens are the Lord’s heavens,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but the earth he has given to human beings.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The dead do not praise the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>nor do any that go down into silence.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But we will bless the Lord</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>from this time on and for evermore.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Praise the Lord!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
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