Tag: Christians

Morning Reading: Acts 28:23-28 NLT ~ deaf ears

Reading: Acts 28:23-28 NLT

So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures.

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Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe.

And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,

‘Go and say to this people: When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’

So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father – I confess that sometimes I hear what I want to hear and see what I want to see… and then convince myself that it’s all from you. Please forgive me… my closed mind… my hard heart… my prejudices… and my preconcieved notions. Lord Jesus – give me your mind… your heart… your obedience to submit to the will of the Father – like it or not. Holy Spirit – continue your transforming work in me… make the new creation that I am becoming a closer reality day by day. And may your Kingdom come… on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Hymn: “Be Still My Soul” – Kathrina von Schlegel; Translator: Jane L. Borthwick (1855)

Syria: Pope calls on Catholics to pray and fast for peace

Peanut Gallery: Pope Francis calls for a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria. Mark your calendar – September 7th… and set aside time for prayer.

“There is a judgement of God and the judgement of history upon our actions, which is inescapable! Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake. War breeds war, violence breeds violence!”

Pope on Syria

Morning Reading: Acts 28:17-22 NLT ~ the hope of Israel

Reading: Acts 28:17-22 NLT

paul in Rome

Three days after Paul’s arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He said to them, “Brothers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. The Romans tried me and wanted to release me, because they found no cause for the death sentence. But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people. I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.”

They replied, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here. But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Messiah: You are the hope of Israel… you are the only hope for this world!

All around us the hosts of evil asssail your people and scorn your name… deliver us from evil and free us from our fears… that we might sing your praise. Cure our warring madness… bend our pride to your will… and shame our wanton selfishness and poverty of soul. Save us from weak resignation to deplorable evils… set our feet on the path to eternal life… and arm us with your grace and power. (paraphrase ~ Harry E. Fosdick (1930)

May your Kingdom come… your will be done… on earth as it is in heaven… and especially in me. Amen.

Instrumental Music: “Hope of Israel” – Michael W Smith

Morning Reading: Acts 28:11-16 NLT ~ Rome at last

Reading: Acts 28:11-16 NLT

Roman Forum, Rome (2008)
Roman Forum, Rome (2008)

It was three months after the shipwreck that we set sail on another ship that had wintered at the island — an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods as its figurehead. Our first stop was Syracuse, where we stayed three days. From there we sailed across to Rhegium. A day later a south wind began blowing, so the following day we sailed up the coast to Puteoli. There we found some believers, who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.

The brothers and sisters in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.

When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier.

Prayer: Heavenly Father – Thank you for the Apostle Paul… for the companions who travelled with him… for the believers who encouraged him along the way… and for the soldiers who protected him. May we find our stories in their stories… each with a particular part to play… as you unfold your purpose and reveal your saving presence and power to the world. Lord Jesus – May we keep our eyes fixed on you… the Author and Finisher of our faith… and may we never waver from the narrow path you set before us. Holy Spirit – Empower us to serve you, the living God,,, produce your good fruit in us – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… and may we be faithful instruments of your mercy and grace, utilizing the particular gifts that you have given to each of us. And may you be honored in all things. Amen.

Welsh Hymn: “Here Is Love, Vast as the Ocean” – William Williams (1717-1791)

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 14:1.7-14 NLT ~ guest list

Gospel Reading: Luke 14:1.7-14 NLT

One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely….

When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table!

Cuba Party with the Poor - click on photo for more -
Cuba Party with the Poor
– click on photo for more –

“Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – When I make my daily choices – particularly of friends and associates – may I do so without thinking “What’s in it for me?”… but rather, “What’s in it for you?” Amen.

Hymn: “As We Gather at Your Table” – Carl P. Daw

As we gather at your table, as we listen to your Word, help us know, O God, your presence; let our hearts and minds be stirred. Nourish us with sacred story till we claim it as our own; teach us through this holy banquet how to make Love’s victory known.

Turn our worship into witness in the sacrament of life; send us forth to love and serve you, bringing peace where there is strife. Give us, Christ, your great compassion to forgive as you forgave; may we still behold your image in the world you died to save.

Gracious Spirit, help us summon other guests to share that feast where triumphant Love will welcome those who had been last and least. There no more will envy blind us nor will pride our peace destroy, as we join with saints and angels to repeat the sounding joy.