Monday 4 January 2010<!--StartFragment-->
<p class="MsoNormal">DAILY LECTIONARY</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Email Evangelism, forward to a friend: http://www.dailylectionary.org</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Joshua 3:14-4:7<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing towards the sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea,* were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When the entire nation had finished crossing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua: ‘Select twelve men from the people, one from each tribe, and command them, “Take twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood, carry them over with you, and lay them down in the place where you camp tonight.” ’ Then Joshua summoned the twelve men from the Israelites, whom he had appointed, one from each tribe. Joshua said to them, ‘Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, one for each of the tribes of the Israelites, so that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, “What do those stones mean to you?” then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial for ever.’<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Ephesians 5:1-20</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us* and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be associated with them. For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">‘Sleeper, awake!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Rise from the dead,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">and Christ will shine on you.’</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">John 9:1-12,35-38</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We* must work the works of him who sent me* while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbours and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, ‘Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?’ Some were saying, ‘It is he.’ Others were saying, ‘No, but it is someone like him.’ He kept saying, ‘I am the man.’ But they kept asking him, ‘Then how were your eyes opened?’ He answered, ‘The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, “Go to Siloam and wash.” Then I went and washed and received my sight.’ They said to him, ‘Where is he?’ He said, ‘I do not know.’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’* He answered, ‘And who is he, sir?* Tell me, so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.’ He said, ‘Lord,* I believe.’ And he worshipped him.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Morning Psalms: Psalm 85, 87</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 85</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Lord, you were favourable to your land;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>you restored the fortunes of Jacob.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You forgave the iniquity of your people;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>you pardoned all their sin.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>Selah</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You withdrew all your wrath;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>you turned from your hot anger.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Restore us again, O God of our salvation,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and put away your indignation towards us.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Will you be angry with us for ever?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Will you prolong your anger to all generations?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Will you not revive us again,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>so that your people may rejoice in you?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and grant us your salvation.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for he will speak peace to his people,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.*</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>that his glory may dwell in our land.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>righteousness and peace will kiss each other.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and righteousness will look down from the sky.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord will give what is good,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and our land will yield its increase.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Righteousness will go before him,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and will make a path for his steps.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 87</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">On the holy mount stands the city he founded;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Lord loves the gates of Zion</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>more than all the dwellings of Jacob.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Glorious things are spoken of you,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>O city of God.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>Selah</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Philistia too, and Tyre, with Ethiopia*—</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>‘This one was born there,’ they say.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">And of Zion it shall be said,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>‘This one and that one were born in it’;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for the Most High himself will establish it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord records, as he registers the peoples,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>‘This one was born there.’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>Selah</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Singers and dancers alike say,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>‘All my springs are in you.’</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Evening Psalms: Psalm 89:1-29</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 89:1-29</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord,* for ever;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I declare that your steadfast love is established for ever;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">You said, ‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have sworn to my servant David:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“I will establish your descendants for ever,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and build your throne for all generations.” ’</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>Selah</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">a God feared in the council of the holy ones,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>great and awesome* above all that are around him?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">O Lord God of hosts,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who is as mighty as you, O Lord?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Your faithfulness surrounds you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You rule the raging of the sea;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>when its waves rise, you still them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You crushed Rahab like a carcass;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The heavens are yours, the earth also is yours;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the world and all that is in it—you have founded them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The north and the south*—you created them;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You have a mighty arm;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>strong is your hand, high your right hand.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Happy are the people who know the festal shout,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">they exult in your name all day long,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and extol* your righteousness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For you are the glory of their strength;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>by your favour our horn is exalted.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For our shield belongs to the Lord,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>our king to the Holy One of Israel.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Then you spoke in a vision to your faithful one, and said:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>‘I have set the crown* on one who is mighty,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have exalted one chosen from the people.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have found my servant David;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>with my holy oil I have anointed him;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">my hand shall always remain with him;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>my arm also shall strengthen him.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The enemy shall not outwit him,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the wicked shall not humble him.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will crush his foes before him</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and strike down those who hate him.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My faithfulness and steadfast love shall be with him;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and in my name his horn shall be exalted.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will set his hand on the sea</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and his right hand on the rivers.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He shall cry to me, “You are my Father,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>my God, and the Rock of my salvation!”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will make him the firstborn,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the highest of the kings of the earth.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For-ever I will keep my steadfast love for him,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and my covenant with him will stand firm.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will establish his line for ever,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and his throne as long as the heavens endure.</p>
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