DAILY, WEEKEND, AND HOLIDAY INTERNET EVANGELIZE TO THE WORLD MINISTRY

July 31: Cosmic, Creation, Chaos Jude 1:17–25 ; Psalm 148:1–150:6 Psalm 148 is cosmic in scope and comforting in message. It’s a depiction of how Yahweh brought order to chaos in the very beginning. Yahweh put the heavens, heights, angels, hosts ( His armies ), sun, moon, stars, and waters in their place—each a sign of His rule over the universe ( Psa 148:1–5 ). Yahweh rules over the elements commonly depicted as gods in the ancient Near East; He rules over the symbols of chaos. And this cosmic depiction is comforting. The version of the creation story we typically hear tells how things came to be, which is good. But when the story is cast like it is in Psa 148 —where we see God as ruler and Lord over chaos—the message moves beyond an intellectual knowledge. If God rules over chaos, and has since the beginning, He can bring order to the chaos in our own lives. For this reason, the psalmist praises Yahweh both for His creation and for His work in his own life. The end of Psa 14

July 30: Destructive People Jude 1:1–16 Some destructive people don’t realize the carnage they leave in their wake. Others intentionally cause rifts and pain, driven by selfish motives. Jude’s letter, which contains succinct prose, startling imagery, and a swift warning, is unlike anything we read in Scripture . The letter equipped early Christ ians to deal wisely with false teachers who had entered the church community. Today, it can provide us with wisdom to respond to some of the most difficult people and situations we encounter. The community that Jude addressed contained destructive false teachers “who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord , Jesus Christ ” ( Jude 4 ). They did not respect authority, but acted out of instinct rather than conviction: “But these persons blaspheme all that they do not understand, and all that they understand by instinct like the irrational animals, by these things they are being destroyed” ( Jude 10 ).

July 29: When It’s Really Urgent 2 Peter 3:14–18 The urgency of God’s work is easily lost on us. But to the early church, Jesus’ return seemed imminent. We get a sense of this urgency in Peter’s second letter, where he writes that every moment between now and when Jesus returns is a moment of grace; therefore, believers must work harder than ever to bring others to Christ and grow in their relationship with Him . Peter remarks, “Therefore, dear friends, because you are waiting for [ Christ to return], make every effort to be found at peace, spotless and unblemished in him. And regard the patience of our Lord as salvation” ( 2 Pet 3:14–15 ). God wants to see more people come to Him —that is why He has not returned. When we feel like Peter’s audience does, wondering why Jesus hasn't returned, Peter’s explanation can help us refocus and remember that it’s not really about us; it’s about others. The Christ ian life is marked by a focus on God and our neighbors. The more we l

SUNDAY , JULY 28, 2013 | ORDINARY TIME SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C               First Reading       Genesis 18:20–32               Response       Psalm 138:3a               Psalm       Psalm 138:1–3 , 6–8               Second Reading       Colossians 2:12–14               Gospel Acclamation       Romans 8:15bc               Gospel       Luke 11:1–13 Catholic Lectionary, vols. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

July 28 Lesson 9 GIVING GIFTS FOR THE TEMPLE DEVOTIONAL READING: Mark 12:38–44 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : Ezra 8:24–36 KEY VERSE I said to them, “You as well as these articles are consecrated to the LORD . The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD , the God of your ancestors." — Ezra 8:28 LESSON AIMS After participating in this lesson, each student will be able to: 1. Describe the procedures for financial accountability that Ezra and his companions used at the beginning and end of their journey to Jerusalem. 2. Give examples of how churches can take precautions to protect the persons who participate in various programs of the church, especially those who handle money. 3. Support and pray for missions that show evidence of careful stewardship in the handling of the gifts that are administered by them. LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      Tons to Transport       B.      Lesson Background           I.      Consigning Offerings ( EZRA 8:24–27 )

July 28 Lesson 9 GIVING GIFTS FOR THE TEMPLE DEVOTIONAL READING: Mark 12:38–44 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Ezra 8:24–36 KEY VERSE I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD ; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the LORD God of your fathers.— Ezra 8:28 LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      Tons to Transport       B.      Lesson Background           I.      Consigning Offerings ( EZRA 8:24–27 )       A.      Selecting Trustworthy Men ( v. 24 )       Acting in Faith and Wisdom       B.      Weighing Precious Metals ( vv. 25–27 )           II.      Communicating Holiness ( EZRA 8:28–30 )       A.      Reminder Given ( v. 28 )       B.      Responsibility Accepted ( vv. 29 , 30 )           III.      Completing the Mission ( EZRA 8:31–35 )       A.      Reviewing the Journey ( v. 31 )       An Example to Remember       B.      Resting in Jerusalem ( v. 32 )       C.      Delivering the T

SUNDAY , JULY 28, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 12 YEAR C              Psalm       Psalm 138              First Reading       Genesis 18:20–33              Second Reading       Colossians 2:6–15               Gospel       Luke 11:1–13 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary, vols. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2010).

SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2013 | PENTECOST PROPER 12 YEAR C              Old Testament       ( Genesis 18:17–19 ) 20–33              Psalm       Psalm 138              Epistle       Colossians 2:6–15 ( 16–19 )              Gospel       Luke 11:1–13 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary, vols. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JULY 28, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 12 YEAR C               Old Testament       Hosea 1:2–10              Psalm       Psalm 85 (UMH 806)              New Testament       Colossians 2:6–15 ( 16–19 )               Gospel       Luke 11:1–13 Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary, vols. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JULY 28, 2013 | PENTECOST TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST               Old Testament       Genesis 39:1–6a              Psalm       Psalm 92              New Testament       1 Corinthians 10:6–13              Gospel       Luke 16:1–9 Christian Worship One Year Lectionary, vols. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JULY 28, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 12 YEAR C   Old Testament & Psalm , Option I              Old Testament       Hosea 1:2–10               Psalm       Psalm 85   or   Old Testament & Psalm , Option II              Old Testament       Genesis 18:20–32               Psalm       Psalm 138              New Testament       Colossians 2:6–15 ( 16–19 )              Gospel       Luke 11:1–13 Revised Common Lectionary, vols. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

July 28: I Will Laud Your Deeds Psalm 145:1–21 I grew up in a family of stoics. Through example, my siblings and I were taught to keep our emotions to ourselves. Displays of excessive affection or sorrow were regarded with some suspicion, and this played out in our expressions of faith. Psalm 145 directly challenges such a mindset. The psalmist expresses why confessing God’s faithfulness is so important, especially to those we influence: “One generation will laud [Your] works to another, and will declare your mighty deeds” ( Psa 145:4 ). God’s mighty deeds were His redemptive acts —especially the exodus from Egypt. His greatness ( Psa 145:6 ), His righteousness ( Psa 145:7 ), His glory , and His power ( Psa 145:11 , 12 ) were expressed. Our praise should be centered on God’s ultimate restorative work through His Son —an act that has brought us back into intimate communion with Him . We can bring our sorrows and failures to Him : “ Yahweh upholds all who are falling, and ra

July 27: The Tricks We Play on Ourselves 2 Samuel 18:1–33 A great deal of leadership is based on consistency. King David is a prime example: He struggled most when he was inconsistent. David’s son, Absalom, committed horrific acts against David and others ( 2 Sam 14–17 ). David repeatedly responded in a manner [unfitting] a king, finally sending men out to destroy Absalom’s troops ( 2 Sam 18:1–4 ). As the troops headed out, he ordered his commanders—within hearing of the army—to “deal gently” with Absalom (2 Sam 18:5). With this order, David again acted beneath his role and duty as king: He asked for the leader of a rebellion to be spared—essentially using his own warriors as pawns in a game to regain his fallen son. Absalom didn’t deserve to be dealt with gently; he was a ruthless, terrorizing dictator and had opposed God’s chosen king. His time was up. For this reason, and perhaps others, Joab, one of David’s commanders, chose to kill Absalom ( 2 Sam 18:14 ). It’s unlikely any

July 26: Courtroom Drama, Daytime TV, and Good Deity Psalm 143:1–12 I remember old television courtroom episodes where people beg for forgiveness from a cynical judge when they should seek forgiveness from the person they've wronged. Usually these shows take the irony to the next level: The judge shows less mercy to those who beg, viewing their actions as further demonstration of their weak character. Thankfully, God is not this kind of judge, though we often falsely characterize Him that way. At the beginning of Psa 143 , the psalmist remarks , “O Yahweh, hear my prayer; listen to my supplications. In your faithfulness answer me” ( Psa 143:1 ). He then adds, “And do not enter into judgment with your servant, because no one alive is righteous before you” ( Psa 143:2 ). The psalmist’s prayers are well spoken, but are they honest? The psalmist goes on, “Teach me to do [Your] will, for you are my God; your Spirit is good. Lead me onto level ground” ( Psa 143:10 ). This line dem

July 25: The Difficult Issue of the Heretics 2 Peter 1:16–21 Distinguishing between correct and false teaching has plagued nearly every church. We ask questions such as, “Are we venturing too far in that direction?” “Is this just my personal theological issue, or is this actually a big deal?” “Should I be concerned about that, or is it simply a matter of individual choice?” Thankfully, the NT clarifies many of these issues for us. Throughout Peter’s second letter, he addresses the challenge of warding off false teachers; he aims to defend the gospel and explain why the false teachers’ claims are incorrect. To do so, Peter hinges his argument on his own experience—on what he witnessed. In his case, arguing from personal witness makes sense: Peter actually knew Jesus . He writes, “For we did not make known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ by following ingeniously concocted myths, but by being eyewitnesses of that one’s majesty. For he received honor and glory

July 24: Slaves to God, Equipped for Righteousness 2 Peter 1:9–15 I used to think that I was powerless when it came to sin. Christ had saved me from my sinful state, but I was still wretched and helpless. Even though I knew I was no longer a slave to sin, I didn’t always think about what freedom in Christ really looks like. Peter’s letter sheds light on this. After listing both virtues and vices, he encourages early Christians to examine their lives and pursue the virtues that characterize faith: “For if these things are yours and are increasing, this does not make you useless or unproductive in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the one for whom these things are not present is blind, being nearsighted, having forgotten the cleansing of his former sins” (2 Pet 1:8–9). Peter shows us that Christ’s sacrifice doesn’t leave us helpless. We are not left alone to flounder until He returns. Earlier in his letter, Peter states that “[Christ’s] divine power has bestowed on us

July 23: Finding God in Sheol Psalm 139:1–24 We've all felt distant from God . Sometimes it’s sin that makes us feel separated from Him ; other times it could be a lack of prayer. Either way, when we feel apart from God , God has not moved away from us. God never moves—we do. But we can find solace in the words of Psa 139: “ O Yahweh , you have searched me, and you know me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You understand my thought from afar” ( Psa 139:1–2 ). We spend so much of life explaining ourselves to others. Trying to manage perceptions is a norm in our society—especially for those of us in fast-paced work environments. There’s nothing wrong with this as long as our motives are pure, we’re being honest, and we’re not obsessed with what others think. But it’s certainly comforting to know that with God , we never have to explain ourselves. He already knows. He has already searched us—and He is always present. The psalmist writes, “You barricade me behind and

Urgent  Prayer  Request Dear Reader's, I just received an urgent message from a lady that is a very good friend of mine that lives in Porto,  Portugal,  for prayer of her adopted daughter's husband. The husband of her adoptive daughter had an industrial accident that  severely   injured  his hand--the severity of the injury is not known. However, the urgent prayer request is for the husband and his wife--also a friend of mine--Bia Almeida--of Portugal. Prayer doesn't have a name, race, culture, country, religious denomination, friend or enemy; I just ask you to pray for the husband to Jehovah for the recovery of his hand, and for the Lord to keep him with his faith; his wife--Bia--to have strength and peace in her faith in You. In Jesus' name I ask for prayer of my friends. Amen.

July 22: Showing Kindness to a Stranger 2 Samuel 9:1–10:19 ; 1 Peter 5:1–14 When I was a teenager, I became serious about showing unsolicited kindness while working through a 30-day intensive devotional. The devotional required me to record an act of kindness each day. My efforts included things as mundane as taking out the trash before being asked and closing schoolmates’ lockers to prevent them from becoming the victims of pranks. Although the acts were simple, and mostly meaningless, the effort taught me a discipline. Kindness should be intentional, not random. But what if your kindness stems from guilt? In 2 Samuel 9 , King David shows intentional kindness to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, by offering them Saul’s land after Saul and Jonathan have died. It’s hard to know why David does this, especially since it puts him at risk—his association with the previous regime could anger his warriors, who fought against Saul. Is David merely being a good guy?

July 21 Lesson 8 FASTING AND PRAYING DEVOTIONAL READING: 2 Chronicles 7:12–18 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : Ezra 7:1–8:23 KEY VERSE So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.— Ezra 8:23 LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      Preparing for a Journey       B.      Lesson Background           I.      Mission Overview ( EZRA 7:6–10 )       A.      Ezra’s Qualifications (v. 6a)       B.      Ezra’s Request (v. 6b)       C.      Ezra’s Traveling Companions (v. 7a)       D.      Ezra’s Trip (vv. 7b–9)       E.      Ezra’s Dedication (v. 10)       Know, Do, Teach           II.      Mission Preparation ( EZRA 8:21–23 )       A.      Gathering and Fasting (v. 21)       Seeking His Guidance       B.      King and God (v. 22)       C.      Prayer and Answer (v. 23) Conclusion       A.      Preparing for Your Ministries       B.      Prayer       C.      Thought to Remember Ronald L. Nickelson and Jonathan Underwood, eds., The KJV Standard

July 21 Lesson 8 FASTING AND PRAYING DEVOTIONAL READING: 2 Chronicles 7:12–18 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : Ezra 7:1–8:23 KEY VERSE So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.— Ezra 8:23 LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      Preparing for a Journey       B.      Lesson Background           I.      Mission Overview ( EZRA 7:6–10 )       A.      Ezra’s Qualifications ( v. 6a )       B.      Ezra’s Request ( v. 6b )       C.      Ezra’s Traveling Companions ( v. 7a )       D.      Ezra’s Trip ( vv. 7b–9 )       E.      Ezra’s Dedication ( v. 10 )       Know, Do, Teach           II.      Mission Preparation ( EZRA 8:21–23 )       A.      Gathering and Fasting ( v. 21 )       Seeking His Guidance       B.      King and God ( v. 22 )       C.      Prayer and Answer ( v. 23 ) Conclusion       A.      Preparing for Your Ministries       B.      Prayer       C.      Thought to Remember Ronald L. Nickelson and Jonathan Underwood, eds

SUNDAY , JULY 21, 2013 | PENTECOST PROPER 11 YEAR C On the same date: Ezekiel              Old Testament       Genesis 18:1–10a ( 10b–14)              Psalm       ( Psalm 27:1–6 ) 7–14              Epistle       Colossians 1:21–29              Gospel       Luke 10:38–42 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary, vols. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JULY 21, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 11 YEAR C              Old Testament       Amos 8:1–12              Psalm       Psalm 52 or Psalm 82 (UMH 804)              New Testament       Colossians 1:15–28              Gospel       Luke 10:38–42 Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary, vols. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JULY 21, 2013 | PENTECOST NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST              Old Testament       Jeremiah 23:16–24              Psalm       Psalm 1               New Testament       Romans 8:12–17               Gospel       Matthew 7:15–23 Christian Worship One Year Lectionary, vols. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JULY 21, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 11 YEAR C   Old Testament & Psalm , Option I               Old Testament       Amos 8:1–12              Psalm       Psalm 52   or   Old Testament & Psalm , Option II              Old Testament       Genesis 18:1–10a              Psalm       Psalm 15              New Testament       Colossians 1:15–28              Gospel       Luke 10:38–42 Revised Common Lectionary , vols. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

July 21: Truth and Honesty Can Be Painful 2 Samuel 7:1–8:18; 1 Peter 4:12–19 A commitment to honesty and truth often puts us in unexpected spiritual situations—something David experiences in 2 Sam 7. David thinks he will build God a great house—a temple—but instead God plans to build a house for him—a legacy. Because David seeks God, God does great things through him. Yet, as David discovers, being part of God’s work and living in His will isn’t without difficulty or pain. Consciously or subconsciously, we often cling to the notion that “If I do good works for God, He will owe me.” Isn’t that the assumption behind the statement, “I am loyal to God, but He has afflicted me with pain”? We frame our pain in light of God’s role. Instead, we should view it in relation to the sin of our world. We sin, just as people did in the past, so why should we not expect pain? Like David, Peter and his fellow missionaries experience a great deal of pain in doing God’s work. Peter encourages t

SUNDAY , JULY 21, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 11 YEAR C              Psalm       Psalm 15              First Reading       Genesis 18:1–10a ( 10b–14 )              Second Reading       Colossians 1:21–29               Gospel       Luke 10:38–42 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary , vols. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2010).

SUNDAY , JULY 21, 2013 | ORDINARY TIME SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C               First Reading       Genesis 18:1–10a               Response       Psalm 15:1b               Psalm       Psalm 15:2–5               Second Reading       Colossians 1:24–28               Gospel Acclamation       Luke 8:15               Gospel       Luke 10:38–42 Catholic Lectionary, vols. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

July 20 Serving the Glory of God 1 Peter 4:1–11 When we avoid community, we may develop an inflated opinion of our own character. It’s easy to think we’re kind people when we’re not held accountable to others. It’s easy to think we’re always right when no one disagrees with us. Conversely, it’s in our relationships that our true selves are often revealed. When we’re actively involved in a community, we face hundreds of instances where we need to make choices. These choices either serve others, or they serve our own desires. When Peter states, “Above all, keep your love for one another constant, because love covers a large number of sins” ( 1 Pet 4:8 ), he’s saying that choosing to love often sets all motives in the right place. It dispels our own pride and puts issues into perspective. When we are truly loving others, it’s not about our pride or “being right.” It’s about helping others grow in faith by using our God -given gifts. Peter goes on to show just what this looks l

July 19 Vengeance versus Blessing 2 Samuel 3:1–4:12 ; 1 Peter 3:8–22 Comparing the passages of 2 Sam 3:1–4:12 and 1 Pet 3:8–22 teaches us that all Scripture can be used for instruction: Some passages provide wisdom on how to become more like Christ , while others are best regarded as “things not to do.” Peter’s first letter tells us, “be harmonious, sympathetic, showing mutual affection, compassionate, humble, not repaying evil for evil or insult for insult, but [instead] blessing others, because for this reason you were called, so that you could inherit a blessing” ( 1 Pet 3:8–9 ). We can find the same lesson, told a different way, in 2 Sam 3:1–4:12. The violence of the war between David and Saul’s houses vividly portrays how acts of vengeance rob us of harmony and blessing. Some passages in the Bible are beautiful, while others are barbaric. Both teach us we’re not meant to live in vengeance, like the houses of David and Saul. While we realize these individuals often acted

July 18 When Kings Mourn 2 Samuel 1:1–2:32 No one can tell you how to mourn. You have to mourn as you see fit, making sure you don’t introduce sin into the grieving process. Several people who were dear to my heart have died. Each time, I processed it differently—immersing myself in work, weeping, or getting angry. If you’ve lost someone close to you, your experience with death is likely similar. But you may have noticed something else in the process: When someone passes away, we become weak and vulnerable to temptation. Wanting to vent our emotions, we may fall prey to sin. But loss is no excuse for sin; there is no excuse. King David, for all his strength, was always a very broken man when someone important to him died. Such brokenness is understandable, but a king must balance his behavior; he must be careful not to insult those who have loyally fought for him. David’s mourning over his best friend, Jonathan, was completely understandable ( e.g. , 1 Sam 18:1–4 ; 19:1–7 ; 2

July 17 Emotion versus Logic 1 Samuel 30:1–31:13 Reacting is easy. What’s difficult is overcoming emotions in a time of adversity. Although emotions are not bad, they can lead us astray. At the same time, when we stray too far in the other direction and rely entirely on reason, we risk using logic without empathy. The answer to this conundrum is not to pit emotions against reason, but instead to pray. Throughout his life King David struggles to balance emotion and logic. Sometimes he is an emotional wreck; other times he is so calculated that he seems almost brutal. Yet in many moments in his life—especially in his early years—he seeks Yahweh when it would be more convenient not to. In 1 Samuel 30:1–6 , David returns to the town of Ziklag to find that two of his wives and many of his warriors’ wives have been captured, and the city has been burned down. The text describes the emotional atmosphere of the discovery: “David and the people who were with him raised their voices and

July 16 Jack-in-the-Box Pride 1 Peter 2:13–25 ; Psalm 130:1–131:3 It’s dangerous to become too confident in the maturity of our own faith. Our pride is like the spring of a jack-in-the-box: Just when we think it’s broken or that we've gotten the lid on tight, it springs back to life. It rears its ugly head, bobbing around like a circus fool. It’s so easy to get caught up in our own achievements—even when it comes to faith. We can grow in knowledge and then look down on others who still need to grow. The psalmist of Psa 131 presents the solution with a sure, succinct declaration. He fully submits to God’s order. He doesn’t wrestle with the things that don’t make sense—he is able to place these in God’s hand. His inner peace comes from total trust in God : “My heart is not haughty nor my eyes arrogant, And I do not concern myself with things too great and difficult for me. Rather I have soothed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother, like the weaned chil

July 15 Re-frame It 1 Peter 2:1–12 ; Psalm 128:1–129:8 “ ‘Too often they have attacked me from my youth.’ Let Israel say, ‘Too often they have attacked me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me’ ” ( Psa 129:1–2 ). As these verses show, sometimes problems can be solved by simply re-framing the issue at hand. Peter makes a “re-framing” move in his first letter. He could have focused on the people’s sin and their general need to repent, but then their attention would be on the problem, not solving it. So he shifts the focus: “Therefore, ridding yourselves of all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn infants long for the unadulterated spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation” ( 1 Pet 2:1–2 ). Peter calls them to approach their relationship with Christ like a newborn would milk. They must make Christ such a priority that He becomes something they need and long for. And as they long, their sinful behavior wi

July 14 Lesson 7 DEDICATING THE TEMPLE DEVOTIONAL READING: Ezra 5:1–5 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : Ezra 6 EZRA 6:13–22 KEY VERSE Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.— Ezra 6:16 LESSON AIMS After participating in this lesson, each student will be able to: 1. Describe the sequence of events in the completion and dedication of the second temple. 2. Compare and contrast the importance of the temple with the importance of church buildings today. 3. Dedicate himself or herself, as the temple of the Holy Spirit , to honoring God as sincerely as did the former exiles in Ezra 6 in dedicating the physical temple. LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      The Importance of Places       B.      Lesson Background           I.      Decree Obeyed ( EZRA 6:13–15 )       A.      Diligence of the Officials ( v. 13 )       B.      Determination in Building ( v. 14 )       C.      Dat

SUNDAY , JULY 14, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 10 YEAR C               Psalm       Psalm 25 or Psalm 25:4–10              First Reading       Deuteronomy 30:9–14              Second Reading       Colossians 1:1–14               Gospel       Luke 10:25–37 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2010).

SUNDAY , JULY 14, 2013 | PENTECOST PROPER 10 YEAR C              Old Testament       ( Leviticus 18:1–5 ) 19:9–18              Psalm       Psalm 41              Epistle       Colossians 1:1–14              Gospel       Luke 10:25–37 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JULY 14, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 10 YEAR C              Old Testament       Amos 7:7–17              Psalm       Psalm 82 (UMH 804)              New Testament       Colossians 1:1–14              Gospel       Luke 10:25–37 Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JULY 14, 2013 | PENTECOST EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST              Old Testament       Psalm 107:1–9              Psalm       Psalm 146              New Testament       Romans 6:19–23              Gospel       Mark 8:1–9 Christian Worship One Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JULY 14, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 10 YEAR C   Old Testament & Psalm , Option I              Old Testament       Amos 7:7–17               Psalm       Psalm 82   or   Old Testament & Psalm , Option II              Old Testament       Deuteronomy 30:9–14               Psalm       Psalm 25:1–10               New Testament       Colossians 1:1–14               Gospel       Luke 10:25–37 Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JULY 14, 2013 | ORDINARY TIME FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C               First Reading       Deuteronomy 30:10–14   Response & Psalm , Option I               Response       Psalm 69:33               Psalm       Psalm 69:14 , 17, 30–31, 33–34, 36, 37   or   Response & Psalm , Option II               Response       Psalm 19:9a               Psalm       Psalm 19:8–11               Second Reading       Colossians 1:15–20               Gospel Acclamation       John 6:63c , 68c               Gospel       Luke 10:25–37 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

July 14 Surprise Redemption 1 Peter 1:20–25 ; Psalm 125:1–127:5 We often fail to be amazed at redemption. Perhaps we’re only dimly aware of our own failings—or (worse) we are blind to how amazing it is that God has shown us grace at all. In Psalm 126 the psalmist describes the joy that should come as a response to God’s redemption. In the past God’s restorative work had cast Israel into a state of surprised shock—they “were like dreamers” (Psa 126:1). They were filled with laughter and praise. His glory was present, and His redemption was a mighty witness to both the Israelites and the surrounding nations ( Psa 126:2 ). But the psalmist quickly reveals that Israel is still in need of restoration. Likely taken into captivity, the people live in hope and anticipation that God will restore them once more: “Those who sow with tears shall reap with rejoicing. He who diligently goes out with weeping, carrying the seed bag, shall certainly come in with rejoicing, carrying his shea

July 13 Unity in Adversity 1 Samuel 22:1–23:29 ; 1 Peter 1:13–19 Distress can unite people. In difficult moments, in shared pain, we discover our true friends. When David fled from King Saul, his divided family was suddenly supportive of him, as was every man in the region who was distressed or indebted ( 1 Sam 22:1–2 ; compare 1 Sam 17:28–30 ). A shared sense of despair reveals the humanity in us all, helping us to get past our disputes and work together for one purpose. For a disjointed band of brothers to be united beyond initial circumstance, they must have one purpose. That’s precisely what David gave his motley crew: They would fight the Philistines (Israel’s greatest enemies) together ( 1 Sam 23:1–5 ). David took a terrible situation and turned it into an opportunity to do what needed to be done. As rightful king, David was obligated to protect Israel. Yet it still took outstanding courage and raw leadership to act upon that obligation. When most people would have been p