Wednesday 10 June 2009<!--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>
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<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Deuteronomy 31:30-32:14<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Then Moses recited the words of this song, to the very end, in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel:</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>let the earth hear the words of my mouth.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May my teaching drop like the rain,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>my speech condense like the dew;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">like gentle rain on grass,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>like showers on new growth.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For I will proclaim the name of the Lord;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>ascribe greatness to our God!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The Rock, his work is perfect,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and all his ways are just.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A faithful God, without deceit,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>just and upright is he;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">yet his degenerate children have dealt falsely with him,*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>a perverse and crooked generation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Do you thus repay the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>O foolish and senseless people?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Is not he your father, who created you,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who made you and established you?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Remember the days of old,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>consider the years long past;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">ask your father, and he will inform you;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your elders, and they will tell you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When the Most High* apportioned the nations,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>when he divided humankind,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">he fixed the boundaries of the peoples</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>according to the number of the gods;*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">the Lord’s own portion was his people,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Jacob his allotted share.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He sustained* him in a desert land,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in a howling wilderness waste;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">he shielded him, cared for him,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>guarded him as the apple of his eye.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As an eagle stirs up its nest,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and hovers over its young;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">as it spreads its wings, takes them up,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and bears them aloft on its pinions,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">the Lord alone guided him;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>no foreign god was with him.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He set him upon the heights of the land,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and fed him with* produce of the field;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">he nursed him with honey from the crags,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>with oil from flinty rock;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">curds from the herd, and milk from the flock,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>with fat of lambs and rams;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bashan bulls and goats,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>together with the choicest wheat—</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>you drank fine wine from the blood of grapes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2 Corinthians 11:21b-33</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that!</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">But whatever anyone dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman—I am a better one: with far greater labours, far more imprisonments, with countless floggings, and often near death. Five times I have received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked; for a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from bandits, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers and sisters;* in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, hungry and thirsty, often without food, cold and naked. And, besides other things, I am under daily pressure because of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I am not indignant?</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus (blessed be he for ever!) knows that I do not lie. In Damascus, the governor* under King Aretas set a guard on the city of Damascus in order to* seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall,* and escaped from his hands.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Luke 19:11-27</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">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. So he said, ‘A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds,* and said to them, “Do business with these until I come back.” 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.” 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. The first came forward and said, “Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.” He said to him, “Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.” Then the second came, saying, “Lord, your pound has made five pounds.” He said to him, “And you, rule over five cities.” Then the other came, saying, “Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, 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.” 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? Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.” He said to the bystanders, “Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.” (And they said to him, “Lord, he has ten pounds!”) “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. 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.” ’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Morning Psalms: Psalm 72</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 72</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Give the king your justice, O God,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and your righteousness to a king’s son.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May he judge your people with righteousness,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and your poor with justice.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and the hills, in righteousness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>give deliverance to the needy,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and crush the oppressor.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May he live* while the sun endures,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>like showers that water the earth.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In his days may righteousness flourish</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and peace abound, until the moon is no more.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May he have dominion from sea to sea,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and from the River to the ends of the earth.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May his foes* bow down before him,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and his enemies lick the dust.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>render him tribute,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">may the kings of Sheba and Seba</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>bring gifts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May all kings fall down before him,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>all nations give him service.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For he delivers the needy when they call,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the poor and those who have no helper.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He has pity on the weak and the needy,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and saves the lives of the needy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From oppression and violence he redeems their life;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and precious is their blood in his sight.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Long may he live!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>May gold of Sheba be given to him.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May prayer be made for him continually,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and blessings invoked for him all day long.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May there be abundance of grain in the land;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>may it wave on the tops of the mountains;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>may its fruit be like Lebanon;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and may people blossom in the cities</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>like the grass of the field.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May his name endure for ever,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>his fame continue as long as the sun.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May all nations be blessed in him;*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>may they pronounce him happy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who alone does wondrous things.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Blessed be his glorious name for ever;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>may his glory fill the whole earth.Amen and Amen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The prayers of David son of Jesse are ended.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Evening Psalms: Psalm 119:73-96</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 119:73-96</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Your hands have made and fashioned me;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>because I have hoped in your word.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I know, O Lord, that your judgements are right,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and that in faithfulness you have humbled me.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let your steadfast love become my comfort</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>according to your promise to your servant.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for your law is my delight.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let the arrogant be put to shame,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>because they have subverted me with guile;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let those who fear you turn to me,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>so that they may know your decrees.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">May my heart be blameless in your statutes,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>so that I may not be put to shame.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My soul languishes for your salvation;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I hope in your word.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My eyes fail with watching for your promise;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I ask, ‘When will you comfort me?’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>yet I have not forgotten your statutes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How long must your servant endure?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When will you judge those who persecute me?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they flout your law.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All your commandments are enduring;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am persecuted without cause; help me!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They have almost made an end of me on earth;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but I have not forsaken your precepts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In your steadfast love spare my life,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>so that I may keep the decrees of your mouth.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord exists for ever;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your word is firmly fixed in heaven.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Your faithfulness endures to all generations;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>you have established the earth, and it stands fast.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By your appointment they stand today,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for all things are your servants.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If your law had not been my delight,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I would have perished in my misery.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will never forget your precepts,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for by them you have given me life.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am yours; save me,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for I have sought your precepts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but I consider your decrees.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have seen a limit to all perfection,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but your commandment is exceedingly broad.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">******************************************************************</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
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