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

May 31: Fighting Loneliness 2 Timothy 4:9–22 ; Psalm 90:1–17 Loneliness is one of the most disheartening feelings a person can know. Being alone in a time of pain is even worse. Several recent surveys suggest that lonely people—especially teenagers—subtly reach out through their social networks, desperately looking for someone who cares. In a world where anyone can get attention online, we've moved away from authentic community. We continue to crave personal interactions—perhaps more so because we have electronic witness to the interactions of others. We as Christ ians should see this as an opportunity to reach out to disenfranchised, lonely people and show the love of Christ to others. Paul’s second letter to Timothy illustrates how feelings of loneliness are amplified by pain. He makes one of the most candid statements in the Bible : “At my first defense, no one came to my aid, but they all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord helped me and ...

May 30: In Season and Out of Season 2 Timothy 4:1–8 I like to operate when I feel like I’m in control. When I haven’t gathered enough information or I feel uncertain of my circumstances, it’s tempting to avoid making a decision or taking action. Paul knew that this type of outlook was detrimental to Timothy’s ministry. He tells Timothy that regardless of his circumstances, he was required to act: “Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and instruction” ( 2 Tim 4:2 ). Paul uses the certainty of Christ’s return to motivate Timothy to stick to his task ( 2 Tim 4:1 ). Although Timothy experienced times when it was not always convenient for him to act on his calling, he had been admonished by Paul about the importance of the work they were doing together: their calling. He also knew the urgency of that calling. Christ’s return and the appearance of His kingdom was their motivation ( 2 Tim 4:1 ). We can’t follow God only w...

May 29: Blessed Sticky Notes 1 Chronicles 24:1–25:31 ; 2 Timothy 3:10–17 A great friend of mine keeps sticky notes with prayer requests on a bathroom mirror. They serve as a reminder of the needs of others. This friend never seems to have an “off day” or feel sad about their particular situation. Maybe these notes play a part in that attitude, but that’s not why I find the practice remarkable. What astounds me is the effort to pray for others constantly. This person reminds me of God’s faithfulness in my life whenever things get tough, for me or others, and I’m grateful my name is on one of those notes. Otherwise, I think I would have lost my way several times already. First Chronicles presents story after story of God’s faithfulness. The book records how God kept His people alive in the face of powerful adversaries, and it tells how God led David in his great appointment as king. Paul’s journey has several parallels with David’s. Just as the chronicler watches David’s narrati...

May 28: Through Despair Psalm 88 ; 2 Timothy 3:1–9 Sometimes we go through dark periods in our lives where the misery feels never-ending. Trial hits, pain hits, and just when we think life might get “back to normal,” we are hit by yet another difficulty. At times like these, we may feel forgotten by God . In Psalm 88 , we find one of the most utter prolonged cries of despair: “ O Yahweh , God of my salvation, I cry out by day and through the night before you ,” the psalmist begins ( Psa 88:1 ). This psalm never climaxes or hints of hope, and it ends even more desperately than it begins. The psalmist, feeling abandoned by God , has his loved ones taken from him. He is left to navigate the darkness alone ( Psa 88:18 ). How do we deal with our own misery when confronted by a tragic psalm like this? How should we respond to God ? We can start with what the psalmist, despite his prolonged suffering, acknowledges about God. Although his troubles are still present, he also recognizes...

Memorial  Day Thanks to our men/women that serve in our Armed Forces. Special thanks to those men/women whom gave their  lives   for our  freedom .

May 27: Math: Maybe Not a Mystic Language After All 1 Chronicles 21:1–22:19 In a world of metrics, it’s easy to become obsessed with statistics and start to quantify every aspect of our lives. Stats can even become a type of score-keeping between churches or pastors: “We have more members than you do.” We may never say those words out loud, but we think them; more than one person has made the mistake of measuring a ministry based on attendance. But God has His own method for measuring success. Prompted by an adversary ( “Satan” is often better translated as “adversary” or “accuser” in the Old Testament ), David decides to seek metrics—to count the people of Israel. This account illustrates the harm of seeking gratification or understanding in numbers. In 1 Chronicles 21 , major problems emerge from this: including placing an adversary’s will above God’s and predicting God’s will rather than seeking it regularly. Rather than counting our successes, we should be count...

PSALM 37 The Heritage of the Righteous and the Calamity of the Wicked A Psalm of David.     1      Do anot fret because of evildoers,           Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.     2      For they shall soon be cut down blike the grass,           And wither as the green herb.     3      Trust in the LORD, and do good;           Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.     4      cDelight yourself also in the LORD,           And He shall give you the desires of your dheart.     5      eCommit 1your way to the LORD,           Trust also in Him,           And He shall bring it to pass.     6      fHe shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, ...

May 26 Lesson 13 PATIENT HOPE DEVOTIONAL READING: John 14:1–7 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : 2 Peter 3 2 PETER 3:3–15A , 18 LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      Distance and Perspective       B.      Lesson Background           I.      Scoffers’ Perspective ( 2 PETER 3:3 , 4 )       A.      What They Do ( v. 3 )       Skepticism, Proper and Improper       B.      What They Say ( v. 4 )           II.      History’s Perspective ( 2 PETER 3:5–7 )       A.      Destroyed by Water ( vv. 5 , 6 )       B.      Destroyed by Fire ( v. 7 )           III.       God’s Perspective ( 2 PETER 3:8 , 9 )       A.       His Timetable ( v. 8 ) ...

May 26 Lesson 13 PATIENT HOPE DEVOTIONAL READING: John 14:1–7 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : 2 Peter 3 2 PETER 3:3–15A , 18 KEY VERSE The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.— 2 Peter 3:9 LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      Distance and Perspective       B.      Lesson Background           I.      Scoffers’ Perspective ( 2 PETER 3:3 , 4 )       A.      What They Do ( v. 3 )       Skepticism, Proper and Improper       B.      What They Say ( v. 4 )           II.      History’s Perspective ( 2 PETER 3:5–7 )       A.      Destroyed by Water ( vv. 5 , 6 )       B.      ...

SUNDAY , MAY 12, 2013 ג' סיון תשע"ג               Eruvin 65 babtalmudfolio.2.2.65;;text-paragraphed Daf Yomi: Cycle 13 (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2012).

SUNDAY , MAY 26, 2013 | PENTECOST TRINITY SUNDAY YEAR C               Proverb       Proverbs 8:1–4 , 22–31               Psalm       Psalm 8 (UMH 743)              New Testament       Romans 5:1–5              Gospel       John 16:12–15 Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , MAY 26, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST TRINITY SUNDAY YEAR C               Psalm       Psalm 29 or Song of Three Youths 29–34              First Reading       Isaiah 6:1–8              Second Reading       Revelation 4:1–11               Gospel       ( John 16:5–11 ) 12–15 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2010).

SUNDAY , MAY 26, 2013 | TRINITY THE HOLY TRINITY              Old Testament       Isaiah 6:1–7              Psalm       Psalm 29              Epistle       Romans 11:33–36              Gospel       John 3:1–15 ( 16–17 ) Lutheran Service Book Historic (One Year) Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , MAY 26, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST HOLY TRINITY YEAR C              Old Testament       Proverbs 8:1–4 , 22–31              Psalm       Psalm 8              New Testament       Romans 5:1–5               Gospel       John 16:12–15 Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013 | ORDINARY TIME TRINITY SUNDAY SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST YEAR C               First Reading       Proverbs 8:22–31               Response       Psalm 8:2a               Psalm       Psalm 8:4–9               Second Reading       Romans 5:1–5               Gospel Acclamation       Revelation 1:8               Gospel       John 16:12–15 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

My Prayer for Today      9      For evildoers shall be cut off;            But those who wait on the LORD,            They shall inherit the earth.      10      For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;            Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,            But it shall be no more.      11      But the meek shall inherit the earth,            And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.      12      The wicked plots against the just,            And gnashes at him with his teeth.      13      The Lord laughs at him,            For He sees that his day is coming....

May 25: Longing and Being 1 Chronicles 16:1–17:27 ; Psalm 84:1–12 The general sense of what worship “is” is widely known, but the specifics of what it means are a little vague. Aside from obedience ( i.e. , avoiding sin and following what God asks of us), there are specific ways to show God admiration. In 1 Chronicles , during David’s many great acts, we get a glimpse into ancient worship practices that are still applicable today. We know that the biblical “editors” favored these practices because they would later ascribe countless psalms to David. His way of worship was deemed “the way to worship.” After David and his comrades journey to Obed-Edom to bring back the ark of the covenant—the symbol of Yahweh’s provision and advocacy for His people—David appoints “some of the Levites as ministers before the ark of Yahweh ” ( 1 Chr 16:4 ). The Levites, the tribe designated as religious teachers, are first to “invoke” Yahweh (call upon Him ). They are then to do what should be nat...

My Prayer for Today    5      Commit your way to the  LORD ,            Trust also in  Him ,            And  He  shall bring it to pass.      6       He  shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,            And your justice as the noonday.      7      Rest in the  LORD , and wait patiently for  Him ;            Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,            Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.  The  New King James Version  (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982).  Ps 37:5–7 .

May 24: On a Mission 2 Timothy 1:1–2 “We’re on a mission from God .” Whenever the Blues Brothers delivered this line, they were met with a less-than-enthusiastic reception. While they had a different “mission” in mind, their famous line summarizes Paul’s ministry, and their reception is strangely related to a pressing problem in our Christ ian communities today: we’re hesitant to receive those who tell us they’re on God’s mission. When we hear this “line,” we immediately begin to ask questions inside our heads: Are they offering a critique? Making a threat? Telling us they’re pursuing a ministry role in accordance with the gifts God has given them, or that they want to be directed toward such a role? Nearly all the godly people in the Bible were appointed directly by God or His messengers to a mission, and they were given very particular (and often unique) gifts to fulfill those missions. So when someone says they’re on a mission from God , we should respond with, “Tell me abou...

My Prayer for Today A Psalm of David.        1      Do not fret because of evildoers,            Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.      2      For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,            And wither as the green herb.      3      Trust in the  LORD , and do good;            Dwell in the land, and feed on  His  faithfulness.      4      Delight yourself also in the  LORD ,            And  He  shall give you the desires of your heart. [Amen.] - King David The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982). Ps 37:1-4 .

May 23: Fear: The Fight against It 1 Chronicles 12:1–13:14 Fear is poisonous. When it drives our decisions, it will slowly destroy us—causing us to make moves that are against God’s will and detrimental to ourselves and others. The antidote to fear is complete reliance on Yahweh, our God , and His work through the Spirit. David is the epitome of someone who sets aside fear in favor of God’s work. He surrounds himself with “feared” men, his “mighty men.” The descriptions of their skills show the caliber of these warriors and thus the incredible character and skill it must have taken to lead them ( 1 Chr 12:1–15 ). It takes courage to be a leader and valor to be a leader of leaders. David was a man of valor—a man empowered by the Spirit’s work. It would have been easy for David to worry or be concerned as a leader—especially when the Spirit comes upon a smaller group of men who oppose him. People rise up around him, and they are being chosen by God in a way he had been. But Davi...

May 22: Motive Is Everything 1 Timothy 6:3–10 It’s not often that we take an honest look at our motivations. But it’s important to reevaluate them regularly. When our sight is not fixed on God , we might become entranced with goals that conflict with godliness. Even though we might initially be performing the right actions, our lives will start to reveal the motives of our hearts. Paul addresses this issue within the Ephesian community, where some people were spreading conflict in order to further their own gain. And this wasn’t just a problem with the perpetrators. This “constant wrangling by people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who consider godliness to be a means of gain” was like poison, spreading envy and strife throughout the community ( 1 Tim 6:5 ). To counteract this, Paul states that “godliness with contentment is a great means of gain” ( 1 Tim 6:5–6 ), but the gain he talks about is not success as we traditionally define it. Rather than financial riches,...

My Prayer for Today Almighty Father , bless those of the Oklahoma tornado disaster. Bless the rescuer's and heal the bodies of those that are injured; Bless those families that have loved ones killed; bless and strengthen those that are involved in the helping from sources and individuals that come to their aid in this time of need.  You are to give as a  Christ ian  to help others that are in need of your assistance as you can give from your hearts. God will bless those that give from the heart and not those that give grudgingly. In  Jesus  name is my prayer of supplication. Amen. - Min. Lynwood F. Mundy American  Red Cross Text: red cross 90999 Telephone: 1-800-red cross;                           1-800-733-27677 Thank you from:  Daily, Weekend and Holiday Evangelize to the World Ministry .

May 21: The Power of Words 1 Timothy 5:18–6:2 Gossip kills churches. And gossip is always painful, especially when disguised as concern. A request to “pray for so-and-so because of this thing they did” is not asking for prayer; it’s gossiping. If you know some personal detail about someone’s mishap, don’t share it with everyone—take it to God . Entire leadership structures have been wrongfully destroyed because of rumors starting this way. Paul warns against rumors when he says, “Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses” ( 1 Tim 5:19 ). How often have we heard something and been so influenced by it that we accuse someone on the basis of that rumor? Hearing something may make it feel factual, but it’s circumstantial at best. Although Paul is cautious, he has no tolerance for leaders who sin repeatedly, especially those sinning directly against the community. He tells Timothy to “reprove those who sin in the presence of all, in ...

The Vanity of Life 1      The words of the Preacher, the son of David, aking in Jerusalem.      2      “Vanity b of vanities,” says the Preacher;            “Vanity of vanities, call is vanity.”      3      What profit has a man from all his labor            In which he toils under the sun?      4      One generation passes away, and another generation comes;            But the earth abides forever.      5      The sun also rises, and the sun goes down,            And hastens to the place where it arose.      6      The wind goes toward the south,            And turns around to the north;            The wind whirls about contin...

May 20: From Concept to Caution to Cause 1 Timothy 5:10–17 Some things in the Bible are downright surprising, including several passages in Paul’s letters. Sometimes his words are so personal or they’re addressed to such a specific person our group, that it’s hard to understand why that particular passage is there. But God uses people to do His work, and whatever they show or teach us sets a precedent—like how to deal with difficult people, or how to best help the poor. Some sections of Paul’s letters are rarely read aloud in church; we simply can’t figure out how to apply them. What application can you draw from a long list of people, or from the very specific details of how to evaluate a widow in need in your community ( 1 Tim 5 )? What if there are no widows in your community? Do you just move on? First Timothy 5:10–17 sets a good precedent for us as Christ ians , and it can serve as a standard for applying other passages. We don’t know precisely why Paul told Timothy to hel...

May 19 Lesson 12 ACTIVE HOPE DEVOTIONAL READING: Luke 16:10–13 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : 1 Peter 4 1 PETER 4:1–11 KEY VERSE As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.— 1 Peter 4:10 The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2012–2013, ed. Ronald L. Nickelson and Jonathan Underwood (Cincinnati, OH: Standard, 2012). 321.

May 12 Lesson 11 SURE HOPE DEVOTIONAL READING: Psalm 130 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : 2 Peter 1 2 PETER 1:2–15 , 20 , 21 LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      How Permanent Is “Permanent”?       B.      Lesson Background           I.      Hope’s Resources ( 2 PETER 1:2–4 )       A.      Knowledge (vv. 2 , 3 )       B.      Promises ( v. 4 )           II.      Hope’s Character ( 2 PETER 1:5–9 )       A.      Virtue Ladder ( vv. 5–7 )       “Give Me a Drink!”       B.      Fruitful Relationship ( v. 8 )       C.      Spiritual Sight ( v. 9 )           III.      Hope’s Persistence ( 2 PETER 1:10–15 )       A....

SUNDAY , MAY 19, 2013 | PENTECOST THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRI T THE DAY OF PENTECOST              Old Testament       Joel 2:28–32               Psalm       Psalm 51               New Testament       Acts 2:1–13               Gospel       John 14:23–31 Christian Worship One Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , MAY 19, 2013 | PENTECOST DAY OF PENTECOST YEAR C              First Reading       Acts 2:1–21               Psalm       Psalm 104:24–34 , 35b (UMH 826)              New Testament       Romans 8:14–17               Gospel       John 14:8–17 ( 25–27 ) Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , MAY 19, 2013 | EASTER DAY OF PENTECOST YEAR C EARLY SERVICE               Psalm       Psalm 33:12–22 , Song of Three Youths 29–34              First Reading       Genesis 11:1–9 or Exodus 19:1–9a , 16–20a , 20:18–20 or Ezekiel 37:1–14 or Joel 2:28–32              Second Reading       Acts 2:1–11 or Romans 8:14–17 , 22–27               Gospel       John 7:37–39a The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2010).

SUNDAY , MAY 19, 2013 | PENTECOST PENTECOST THE DAY OF PENTECOST               Old Testament       Genesis 11:1–9              Psalm       Psalm 143               Epistle       Acts 2:1–21               Gospel       John 14:23–31 Lutheran Service Book Historic (One Year) Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , MAY 19, 2013 | EASTER PENTECOST YEAR C               First Reading       Acts 2:1–11               Response       Psalm 104:30               Psalm       Psalm 104:1 , 24 , 29–31 , 34               Second Reading       1 Corinthians 12:3b–7 , 12–13 or Romans 8:8–17               Gospel Acclamation       Text               Gospel       John 20:19–23 or John 14:15–16 , 23b–26 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

My Prayer for Today The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly     1      Blessed is the man            Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,        Nor stands in the path of sinners,        Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;      2      But chis delight is in the law of the  LORD ,        And in  His  law he meditates day and night.      3       He  shall be like a tree        Planted by the rivers of water,        That brings forth its fruit in its season,        Whose leaf also shall not wither;            And whatever he does shall prosper.      4      The ungodly are not so,            Bu...

May 18: A Higher Calling 1 Timothy 4:6–16 It’s easy to get self-absorbed when we’re criticized—or when we think others are criticizing us. Because of our real or imagined defects, we start to believe other people don’t take us seriously. It’s easy to get off course in an attempt to defend ourselves. As a young leader, Timothy may have dealt with criticism in the Ephesian community because of his age. Paul gives him advice: “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” ( 1 Tim 4:12 ). Paul doesn’t offer defensive solutions. Rather, he calls Timothy to be a living example of his teaching. He reinforces Timothy’s calling by encouraging him to stay focused on his call, speech, and conduct. By being the contrast to the rumors about him, Timothy thwarts criticism. But Paul isn’t simply giving leadership advice. By reaffirming Timothy’s purpose and calling, he is helping Timothy focus on God’s work instea...

My Prayer for Today PSALM 25 A Plea for Deliverance and Forgiveness A Psalm of David.  1 To You, O LORD , I lift up my soul. 2 O my God , I trust in You;  Let me not be ashamed;  Let not my enemies triumph over me.  3 Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed;  Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.  4 Show me Your ways, O LORD ;  Teach me Your paths.  5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,  For You are the God of my salvation;  On You I wait all the day.  6 Remember, O LORD , Your tender mercies and Your loving-kindnesses,  For they are from of old.  7 Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions;  According to Your mercy remember me,  For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD .  8 Good and upright is the LORD ;  Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.  9 The humble He guides in justice,  And the humble He teaches His way.  10 All the paths of ...