Wednesday 4 March 2009<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><!--StartFragment-->
<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>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Deuteronomy 9:13-21</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Furthermore, the Lord said to me, ‘I have seen that this people is indeed a stubborn people. Let me alone that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven; and I will make of you a nation mightier and more numerous than they.’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So I turned and went down from the mountain, while the mountain was ablaze; the two tablets of the covenant were in my two hands. Then I saw that you had indeed sinned against the Lord your God, by casting for yourselves an image of a calf; you had been quick to turn from the way that the Lord had commanded you. So I took hold of the two tablets and flung them from my two hands, smashing them before your eyes. Then I lay prostrate before the Lord as before, for forty days and forty nights; I neither ate bread nor drank water, because of all the sin you had committed, provoking the Lord by doing what was evil in his sight. For I was afraid that the anger that the Lord bore against you was so fierce that he would destroy you. But the Lord listened to me that time also. The Lord was so angry with Aaron that he was ready to destroy him, but I interceded also on behalf of Aaron at that same time. Then I took the sinful thing you had made, the calf, and burned it with fire and crushed it, grinding it thoroughly, until it was reduced to dust; and I threw the dust of it into the stream that runs down the mountain.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hebrews 3:12-19</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Take care, brothers and sisters,* that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today’, so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. As it is said,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘Today, if you hear his voice,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now who were they who heard and yet were rebellious? Was it not all those who left Egypt under the leadership of Moses? But with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">John 2:23-3:15</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When he was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus* by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’* Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.* Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You* must be born from above.”* The wind* blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>‘Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you* do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.* And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Morning Psalms: Psalm 119:49-72</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 119:49-72</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Remember your word to your servant,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in which you have made me hope.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is my comfort in my distress,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>that your promise gives me life.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The arrogant utterly deride me,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but I do not turn away from your law.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When I think of your ordinances from of old,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I take comfort, O Lord.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>those who forsake your law.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Your statutes have been my songs</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>wherever I make my home.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I remember your name in the night, O Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and keep your law.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This blessing has fallen to me,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for I have kept your precepts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord is my portion;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I promise to keep your words.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I implore your favour with all my heart;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>be gracious to me according to your promise.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When I think of your ways,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I turn my feet to your decrees;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I hurry and do not delay</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to keep your commandments.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I do not forget your law.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At midnight I rise to praise you,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>because of your righteous ordinances.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am a companion of all who fear you,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>of those who keep your precepts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>teach me your statutes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You have dealt well with your servant,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>O Lord, according to your word.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Teach me good judgement and knowledge,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for I believe in your commandments.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before I was humbled I went astray,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but now I keep your word.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You are good and do good;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>teach me your statutes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The arrogant smear me with lies,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but with my whole heart I keep your precepts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Their hearts are fat and gross,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but I delight in your law.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is good for me that I was humbled,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>so that I might learn your statutes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The law of your mouth is better to me</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>than thousands of gold and silver pieces.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Evening Psalms: Psalm 49, 53</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 49</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hear this, all you peoples;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>give ear, all inhabitants of the world,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">both low and high,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>rich and poor together.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My mouth shall speak wisdom;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will incline my ear to a proverb;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will solve my riddle to the music of the harp.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Why should I fear in times of trouble,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>when the iniquity of my persecutors surrounds me,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">those who trust in their wealth</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and boast of the abundance of their riches?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Truly, no ransom avails for one’s life,*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>there is no price one can give to God for it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For the ransom of life is costly,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and can never suffice,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">that one should live on for ever</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and never see the grave.*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When we look at the wise, they die;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>fool and dolt perish together</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and leave their wealth to others.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Their graves* are their homes for ever,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their dwelling-places to all generations,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>though they named lands their own.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mortals cannot abide in their pomp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they are like the animals that perish.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Such is the fate of the foolhardy,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the end of those* who are pleased with their lot.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>Selah</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Death shall be their shepherd;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">straight to the grave they descend,*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and their form shall waste away;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sheol shall be their home.*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for he will receive me.</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">Do not be afraid when some become rich,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>when the wealth of their houses increases.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For when they die they will carry nothing away;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their wealth will not go down after them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Though in their lifetime they count themselves happy</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>—for you are praised when you do well for yourself—</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">they* will go to the company of their ancestors,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who will never again see the light.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mortals cannot abide in their pomp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they are like the animals that perish.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 53</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are corrupt, they commit abominable acts;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>there is no one who does good.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God looks down from heaven on humankind</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to see if there are any who are wise,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who seek after God.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They have all fallen away, they are all alike perverse;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>there is no one who does good,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>no, not one.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Have they no knowledge, those evildoers,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who eat up my people as they eat bread,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and do not call upon God?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There they shall be in great terror,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in terror such as has not been.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For God will scatter the bones of the ungodly;*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they will be put to shame,* for God has rejected them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">O that deliverance for Israel would come from Zion!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When God restores the fortunes of his people,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be glad.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<!--EndFragment-->