Our 2019 New Testament Reading Plan has taken us through the Gospel of John and the Book of Romans. We will continue our reading plan with the Gospel of Mark after Easter on Monday, April 22nd.
Since Holy Week and Easter are only a few days away, it seems right to pause our reading plan in order to ponder the events that forever changed the world and, in turn, forever changed our lives by making us right with God.
Definition of ponder
transitive verb
1 : to weigh in the mind : appraise pondered their chances of success
2 : to think about : reflect on pondered the events of the day
intransitive verb
: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply
We will be following the daily USCCB Lectionary Readings on the days leading up to Easter. Please pause to ponder what God has done for you.
May God transform us into new creations by changing the way we think.
Then we will learn to know God’s will for us,
which is good and pleasing and perfect.
2019 New Testament Reading Plan continues w/ the Book of Romans
On March 11th, we will continue reading through the New Testament – slowly – reading short sections each day for the entire year.
Our purpose is to allow time for us to “ponder” (Luke 2:19) what we are reading, and to consider what God may be saying to each one of us personally.
Definition of ponder
transitive verb
1 : to weigh in the mind : appraise pondered their chances of success
2 : to think about : reflect on pondered the events of the day
intransitive verb
: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply
Our reading will continue with the Book of Romans. Not to worry – we will read every book in the New Testament, although not necessarily in the order they appear in the Bible. Hopefully our reading order will help us better understand how God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ all fits together and applies to us today.
As you read along with us, may this prayer hold true –
Philippians 1:9-11 New Living Translation (NLT)
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
On January 7th, we will begin reading through the New Testament – slowly – reading short sections each day for the entire year.
Our purpose is to allow time for us to “ponder” (Luke 2:19) what we are reading, and to consider what God may be saying to each one of us personally.
Definition of ponder
transitive verb
1 : to weigh in the mind : appraise pondered their chances of success
2 : to think about : reflect on pondered the events of the day
intransitive verb
: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply
Our reading will begin with the Gospel of John and continue with the Book of Romans. Not to worry – we will read every book in the New Testament, although not necessarily in the order they appear in the Bible. Hopefully our reading order will help us better understand how God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ all fits together and applies to us today.
As you read along with us, may this prayer hold true –
Philippians 1:9-11 New Living Translation (NLT)
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Opening – Psalm 62:5-8 (NLT)
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
__________
Morning Reading: Luke 2:36-40 (NLT) –
The Prophecy of Anna
Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.
__________
Morning Prayer
Almighty God: Give us the discernment to apprehend the wonder of Christmas – the miracle of “God with us” embodied in the child, Jesus of Nazareth. Like Anna, we too wait expectantly for our rescue from the forces of darkness and evil. And like Anna, give us the boldness to tell everyone of his immanent return – “God with us” embodied in the King of glory, Jesus the Messiah. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
__________
“Mary Did You Know” – Kathy Mattea
__________
Blessing – Titus 2:11-13 (NLT)
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
__________
+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
On January 7th, we will begin reading through the New Testament – slowly – reading short sections each day for the entire year.
Our purpose is to allow time for us to “ponder” (Luke 2:19) what we are reading, and to consider what God may be saying to each one of us personally.
Definition of ponder
transitive verb
1 : to weigh in the mind : appraise pondered their chances of success
2 : to think about : reflect on pondered the events of the day
intransitive verb
: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply
Our reading will begin with the Gospel of John and continue with the Book of Romans. Not to worry – we will read every book in the New Testament, although not necessarily in the order they appear in the Bible. Hopefully our reading order will help us better understand how God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ all fits together and applies to us today.
As you read along with us, may this prayer hold true –
Philippians 1:9-11 New Living Translation (NLT)
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
Since Holy Week and Easter are only a few days away, it seems right to pause our reading plan in order to ponder the events that forever changed the world and, in turn, forever changed our lives by making us right with God.
The Peanut Gallery 