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

June 30  By Your Example 3 John 5–15 By nature, we are creatures of imitation. Children mimic the traits of their parents, and even in later life we are influenced by the habits of our friends. People naturally imitate, even if they don’t realize it or intend to. This is one reason why “lead by example” is such a powerful principle. It’s also why leaders can change the direction of a whole community—for better or worse ( Jas 3:1 ). Diotrephes, an ambitious member of the early church who misused his power, was unwilling to heed the advice of John and others who reprimanded him. In his letter to Gaius, a church leader known for his faithfulness and love, John gives this advice regarding Diotrephes: “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God ; the one who does evil has not seen God ” ( 3 John 11 ). Throughout his letters, John emphasizes that people’s actions reflect their heart. Diotrephes’ actions told a dismal story. Wheth...

June 30 Lesson 5 RESTORING JOYFUL WORSHIP DEVOTIONAL READING: Matthew 23:29–39 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Ezra 1:1–3:7 KEY VERSE They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required.— Ezra 3:4 LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      A Journey with Purpose       B.      Lesson Background           I.      Rebuilding the Altar (EZRA 3:1, 2)       A.      Convening (v. 1)       B.      Constructing (v. 2)           II.      Resuming the Offerings (EZRA 3:3–6)       A.      Daily Requirements (v. 3)       B.      Feast of Tabernacles (v. 4)       C.      Other Requirements (v...

June 30 Lesson 5 RESTORING JOYFUL WORSHIP DEVOTIONAL READING: Matthew 23:29–39 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : Ezra 1:1–3:7 KEY VERSE In accordance with what is written, they celebrated the Festival of Tabernacles with the required number of burnt offerings prescribed for each day.— Ezra 3:4 LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      A Journey with Purpose       B.      Lesson Background           I.      Rebuilding the Altar ( EZRA 3:1 , 2 )       A.      Convening ( v. 1 )       B.      Constructing ( v. 2 )           II.      Resuming the Offerings ( EZRA 3:3–6 )       A.      Daily Requirements ( v. 3 )       B.      Festival of Tabernacles ( v. 4 )       C.      Other Requirements ...

SUNDAY , JUNE 30, 2013 | PENTECOST PROPER 8 YEAR C              Old Testament       1 Kings 19:9b–21              Psalm       Psalm 16              Epistle       Galatians 5:1 , 13–25              Gospel       Luke 9:51–62 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JUNE 30, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 8 YEAR C               Old Testament       2 Kings 2:1–2 , 6–14              Psalm       Psalm 77:1–2 , 11–20 ( UMH 798 )              New Testament       Galatians 5:1 , 13–25              Gospel       Luke 9:51–62 Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JUNE 30, 2013 | PENTECOST SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST               Old Testament       Jeremiah 1:4–10              Psalm       Psalm 67               New Testament       1 Peter 3:8–15               Gospel       Luke 5:1–11 Christian Worship One Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JUNE 30, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 8 YEAR C   Old Testament & Psalm , Option I              Old Testament       2 Kings 2:1–2 , 6–14              Psalm       Psalm 77:1–2 , 11–20   or   Old Testament & Psalm , Option II              Old Testament       1 Kings 19:15–16 , 19–21               Psalm       Psalm 16              New Testament       Galatians 5:1 , 13–25              Gospel       Luke 9:51–62 Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JUNE 30, 2013 | ORDINARY TIME THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C               First Reading       1 Kings 19:16b , 19–21               Response       Psalm 16:5a               Psalm       Psalm 16:1–2 , 5 , 7–11               Second Reading       Galatians 5:1 , 13–18               Gospel Acclamation       1 Samuel 3:9 , John 6:68c               Gospel       Luke 9:51–62 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

June 29  Behind the Scenes Esther 3:1–7:10 Sometimes life can look so bleak that it seems as if all hope is gone. This was the situation for Esther and Mordecai: “Letters were sent by couriers to all the provinces of the king to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, women and children” ( Esther 3:13 ). Genocide was upon Esther, Mordecai, and their people, and it seemed that little could be done. Yet God unexpectedly used Esther to do His work and made Mordecai a hero for thwarting the enemies’ plan to destroy God’s people ( Esther 5–7 ). As a result, the people who wanted to kill Mordecai ended up dead ( Esther 7:7–10 ). But these events depicted more than poetic justice; they provide an example of hope in the midst of adversity. This story shows that God is at work even when we don’t realize He is there —when even prayer feels like a waste of energy . While God is not a “character” in the book of Esther , His presence is implicit in ever...

''Now therefore, let it please you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you ; for you , O Lord GOD , have spoken it, and with your blessing let the house of your servant be blessed forever.'' [Amen]. ( 2 Samuel 7:29 )

June 28  Meet and Greet 2 John 7–13 “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house and do not speak a greeting to him, because the one who speaks a greeting to him shares in his evil deeds” ( 2 John 9–11 ). This passage is sometimes used as support for forming exclusive communities—ones that don’t interact with people who don’t believe in the gospel or who have a different faith. Based on this passage, some believe that we as Christ ians are not permitted to interact with nonbelievers. Is that what John is really teaching? John issued this warning during a time when false teachers were spreading confusing doctrines about Christ . He exhorted believers to “test the spirits” to see if these teachers were actually from God ( 1 John 4:1 ). They would know if these teachers were from God if they confessed the true message of Jesus Christ —specifically that He had come in the flesh and was from God ( 1 John 2:1 ). John wanted the...

My Prayer for Today Lord, bless this wayward world that loves wrong rather than right; robbing of the poor to make the rich richer and the poor sustaining their laborious life styles; Our political leaders from the President, Supreme Court Justices,the senate and house taking an oath of office on the Bible to God (?) that they will whole the laws of the nation; Now they are taking the Bible--Your Word for man to obey and live by unto death--and pushing You aside for wrong to please abomination--homosexuality and lesbianism--to please those that are headed to Hades unless they genuinely repent of their sins and STOP being in the company of those that blatantly keep on living for the satisfaction of the flesh. Lord, You are showing signs everyday of the End Time and man/woman seem to think that they know when You will send the death angle and keep sinning. Politicians seem to play You sidestepping the Day of Judgement as we all must stand before Jesus the Judge. In Jesus' name ...

June 27 The Truth about Truth 2 John 1–6 John the Evangelist’s letter to the “elect lady” presents a picture of joy and hope, as he “rejoiced greatly to find some of [her] children walking in truth, just as we were commanded by the father ” ( 2 John 4 ). One word keeps reappearing in John’s letter, focusing his message: truth . John says that he loves the elect lady and her children “in truth” ( 2 John 1 ). He says that all who know the truth also love them. His reason is simple: “the truth … resides in us and will be with us forever” ( 2 John 2 ). When John speaks of truth, he’s referring to Jesus ( John 14:6 ). After his initial greeting, John goes on to express his wishes: May “Grace, mercy, [and] peace … be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Son of the Father in truth and love” ( 2 John 3 ). In acknowledging the source of truth, John acknowledges his connection to it. All believers live in truth because they are linked to God , who is the Truth . He ...

PSALM 34:1-9 The Happiness of Those Who Trust in God A Psalm of David When He Pretended Madness Before Abimelech, Who Drove Him Away, and He Departed.       1      I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.     2      My soul shall make its boast in the LORD ;           The humble shall hear of it and be glad.     3      Oh, magnify the LORD with me,           And let us exalt His name together.     4      I sought the LORD , and He heard me,           And delivered me from all my fears.     5      They looked to Him and were radiant,           And their faces were not ashamed.     6      This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,           And sa...

Quote of the Week

June 26 A Famous God Psalm 113 Fame can have startling effects on people. Those who attain power and influence suddenly become less available: They’re selective with the phone calls they take, the emails they answer, and the people they associate with. Those who receive their attention tend to feel special. When we call on God , we expect Him to answer us and help us. Sometimes, we are so confident that He will or should help us that we forget how amazing it is that He interacts with us in the first place. Psalm 113 reminds us that God is beyond our comprehension. The psalm praises the power and glory of God , who is “high above all nations.” God isn’t just ruling over the earth, though. His realm of power extends even “above the heavens ” ( Psa 113:4 ). Both earthly and heavenly powers are subject to Him. His power is astounding , but what is most confounding is His nature and character . Psalm 113 points out that even in His power , God is still concerned with the pli...

My Prayer for Today Lord, forgive me and we all our iniquities. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. - Min. Lynwood F. Mundy

June 25:  From Concern to Action Nehemiah 9:1–10:27 ; Psalm 111:1–112:10 When I approach God , I often to try to persuade Him that I am worthy of something or that He should act on my behalf. But there is no reason God should act on our behalf—none is worthy of His intercession. When we pray, we often need a change in focus. Ultimately, it’s not about our rightness or goodness; it’s about His . It’s about what He can do, who He is, and why we know He can do something about the situation we’re in. We should still be honest and open with God , telling Him how we really feel (even though He already knows), but instead of focusing on our own righteousness, we should focus on God and what He’s already done for us. When I shift my attention to God and His goodness , many of my previous concerns fade. Before I even begin to pray, gratitude reminds me of God’s care and provision for me, allowing me to move from what I think matters to what matters to God . Throughout the Bible...

My Prayer for Today Almighty Jehovah God , thank  You  for bringing a 32 year prophecy to vision to me.  Hallelujah ! Now I pray for all of the peoples of the world that they may be blessed by  You  whom are  Christ ian's  and the secular as well. I pray that those religions that worship as a guise to  You , and those religions that worship idols, false human god's, religions that  remove  Jesus  from the  Bible  for their bible's ,   and those religions that have a false prophet that proclaim their god sent their prophet for the peoples to be the one to serve, and their religion to dominate the world religions under one (their); no where can their god be found, but their prophet can be found.   Jesus   will come and judge all:  He  will separate the wheat from the chaff--those that are dead in the seas of the world, those that are dead in the earth, and lastly, those that are living on that...

June 24: It’s Simple 1 John 5:6–12 I tend to complicate matters. Determined to understand the nuances of a problem, I spend more time constructing a solution than I need to. Often, delaying a simple solution is my way of avoiding action that requires me to be courageous, intentional, or perhaps admit I’m wrong. John’s first letter addresses a complication of the gospel message. False teachers were causing division in the community by spreading incorrect doctrines about Christ’s humanity and divinity . Without understanding that Christ is both man and God , some people in the community were in danger of diminishing Christ’s saving work and confusing the gospel . John spends the greater portion of the letter guiding his readers through the murky doctrines the false teachers had introduced. However, John’s climactic point at the close of his letter is far from complex. First John 5:11–12 contains a statement about belief that is both simple and decisive: “And this is the testimony...

June 23 Lesson 4 WORSHIP IN THE NEW CREATION DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 42:1–9 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : Isaiah 65 KEY VERSES Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create.— Isaiah 65:17 , 18a LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      Isaiah: A “Mini-Bible”       B.      Lesson Background           I.      God’s Promise ( ISAIAH 65:17 )       A.      New Foretold ( v. 17a )       B.      Old Forgotten ( v. 17b )       Gone for Good!           II.       God’s Provision ( ISAIAH 65:18–25 )       A.      Joy ( vv. 18 , 19 )       B.      Life ( v. 20 )       C. ...

June 23 Lesson 4 WORSHIP IN THE NEW CREATION DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 42:1–9 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : Isaiah 65 KEY VERSES See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create.—Isaiah 65:17, 18a LESSON AIMS After participating in this lesson, each student will be able to: 1. List characteristics of the new heaven and the new earth. 2. Tell what made the qualities of the new heaven and new earth particularly appealing to the Lord’s people in Isaiah’s day. 3. Write a prayer that acknowledges that the future is in the Lord’s hands. LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      Isaiah: A “Mini-Bible”       B.      Lesson Background           I.       God’s Promise ( ISAIAH 65:17 )       A.      New Foretold ( v. 17a )  ...

SUNDAY , JUNE 23, 2013 | PENTECOST PROPER 7 YEAR C              Old Testament       Isaiah 65:1–9              Psalm       Psalm 3               Epistle       Galatians 3:23–4:7              Gospel       Luke 8:26–39 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JUNE 23, 2013 | PENTECOST PROPER 7 YEAR C              Old Testament       Isaiah 65:1–9              Psalm       Psalm 3              Epistle       Galatians 3:23–4:7              Gospel       Luke 8:26–39 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JUNE 23, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 7 YEAR C              Old Testament       1 Kings 19:1–15a              Psalm       Psalm 42 ( UMH 777 )              New Testament       Galatians 3:23–29               Gospel       Luke 8:26–39 Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JUNE 23, 2013 | PENTECOST FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST              Old Testament       Isaiah 58:6–12               Psalm       Psalm 133–134               New Testament       Romans 8:18–23               Gospel       Luke 6:36–42 Christian Worship One Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JUNE 23, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 7 YEAR C   Old Testament & Psalm , Option I               Old Testament       1 Kings 19:1–4 ( 5–7 ) 8–15a               Psalm       Psalm 42, 43   or   Old Testament & Psalm , Option II              Old Testament       Isaiah 65:1–9               Psalm       Psalm 22:19–28               New Testament       Galatians 3:23–29              Gospel       Luke 8:26–39 Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JUNE 23, 2013 | ORDINARY TIME TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C On the same date: Birth of John the Baptist (Vigil)               First Reading       Zechariah 12:10–11 , 13:1               Response       Psalm 63:2b               Psalm       Psalm 63:2–6 , 8–9               Second Reading       Galatians 3:26–29               Gospel Acclamation       John 10:27               Gospel       Luke 9:18–24 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

June 23: Discernment and Prayer Nehemiah 6:1–7:65 ; 1 John 5:1–5 “For all of them sought to frighten us.… And now, God , strengthen my hands” ( Neh 6:9 ). While God calls us to “love [our] enemies and pray for those who persecute [us] ” ( Matt 5:44 ), he also calls us to act with discernment and prayer. Loving others doesn’t mean we should be weak or passive. Part of loving others means discerning their hearts and motives. “Blessed are the meek, because they will inherit the earth” ( Matt 5:5 ). When Jesus spoke about being meek, He wasn’t referring to weakness. Instead, He was teaching us to focus on others rather than ourselves. That doesn’t mean we should be passive toward those who wish to harm us. Part of practicing meekness is being aware of our enemies and dealing with them cautiously. Doing so successfully takes strength and discernment—necessary components of any godly work. Nehemiah demonstrates these traits in his interactions with his enemies. When his opponents...

My Prayer for Today Yahweh , bless Your chosen children that continue to serve and keep Your Mosaic Laws. Bless Your Christ ian children that have come in Jesus' name for their Lord and Savior . In Jesus' name is my prayer. Amen. - Min. Lynwood F. Mundy 

June 22: Love and Peace 1 John 4:16–21 “ You have made us for yourself , and our heart is restless until it finds rest in you.” Augustine’s prayer, spoken so many years ago, is still poignant for us today. It appeals to our created purpose: bringing glory to God . When we’re living outside of that purpose, we try to fill that void through other means. In his first letter, John shows how the love of God and communion with Him ultimately brings a sense of peace and confidence: “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love and the one who abides in love abides in God and God abides in him. By this love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because just as that one is, so also are we in the world” ( 1 John 4:16–17 ). God Himself has addressed the great rift we created between ourselves and Him . Through the sacrifice of His Son , He has made it possible for us to abide with Him and find peace in Him ( 1 Joh...

My Prayer for Today Yahweh , I praise  You  for whom  You  are: The  God  that is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscience. Mans gods do not have  Your  characteristics because  You  said that  You  are  I AM WHO I AM  meaning in the Hebrew tongue: before there was anything,  You  were. Not only are  You  the  God  of the Hebrews, but the  God  of Christian's. So, why would anyone want to serve a god of man when the  God Yahweh  of creation of everything should be served? I pray that those whom are secular come to  Jesus  and get the  Spirit  of  God  to indwell in them and talk with them in leading them to righteous paths in their lives. In  Jesus'  name I pray. Amen. - Min. Lynwood F. Mundy

June 21: Position, Prayer, and Strategy Nehemiah 1:1–3:32 Trying to make a difference in the world can be disheartening; it’s easy to feel like merely a drop in the bucket. When Nehemiah first heard about the suffering of His people , he could have been discouraged. When he learned that the returned exiles were “in great trouble and shame,” living in a city with no walls ( Neh 1:3 ), he could have said, “I’d love to help, but what can I do from this far away? ” Instead, he decided to take action ( Neh 1:3 ), and he did so thoughtfully. Rather than making a rash decision, he prayed ( Neh 1:4–8 ). He then volunteered to be the one to help God’s people ( Neh 1:9–11 ), even though doing so meant risking his life. As the cup-bearer to the king, Nehemiah recognized his unique place of influence and acted upon it ( Neh 2:1–3 ). He chose to appear saddened before the most powerful man in the world by hanging his head. His actions could have been perceived as a sign of disrespec...

My Prayer for Today Almighty Father , bless us all, because we are all sinners saved by  Your grace  and mercy . In  Jesus'  name I pray. Amen. - Min. Lynwood F. Mundy

June 20: Man vs. Nature Psalm 107:23–43 As a teenager, I devoured stories about men and women at odds with nature. These man vs. nature struggles always told of a battle of wills. Nature was always at its most magnificent and most frightening: untamed, unwieldy, and heartless. The characters seemed to be living on the edge of human experience—they were not focused and resolute, anticipating the next turn of events like a typical Hollywood action film, but frightened and helpless before an uncaring force. If we read Psa 107 , we’ll find this genre isn’t unique to contemporary novels. Biblical writers also used the man vs. nature theme to show battling wills. Psalm 107 reads like a riveting short story: “Those who went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the high seas; they saw the works of Yahweh , and his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and raised up a stormy wind, and it whipped up its waves. They rose to the heavens; they plunged to the depths. Their soul mel...

My Prayer for Today Heavenly Father, thank you for this days awakening. May we all praise and think You for this divine blessing, because none of  us deserve Your grace and mercy. Watch over us as we go through our daily routines and chores. Bless our children, grand-children and great-grand children through out this summer vacation from their respected schools. Bless the sick, secular--that they may accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior , whore-mongers, homosexuals and lesbians that they will turn to their God given natural affection. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. - Min. Lynwood F. Mundy

June 19: The Story behind the Story Ezra 7:1–8:36 The Bible is full of unexpected moments. Some events seem almost coincidental, where people are in the right place at the right time. This is exactly the case with Ezra. In ancient times, it was unusual for a king to honor a foreigner with a decree. It was even stranger for a king to offer his own wealth to help such a foreigner. Yet that’s what happened to Ezra: King Artaxerxes of Persia sent Ezra, and any Israelite willing to go with him, to his own land (and the people living there) with the blessing of silver and gold ( Ezra 7:11–28 ). The Bible doesn’t give the reason for Artaxerxes’ spontaneous generosity. He may have been motivated by politics, trying to gain the allegiance of the Israelites, govern the population in Babylonia, or inhabit a new land to control the native people there. Yet the most convincing reason for his actions seems to be that his heart was moved. While the text doesn’t explicitly say, it appears that ...

June 18: What Is Love? 1 John 3:19–24 I find it easy to talk about myself. I like to get to the root of why I act the way I do. Sometimes this is helpful—it helps me nail down where I struggle. But this tendency also reminds me that I’m geared inward. The danger is that I often filter others through the sieve of my experience. Our culture encourages the mindset that other people ought to make us feel good about ourselves and help us fulfill our dreams. In this mindset, our relationships ultimately become about self-fulfillment. John squashes this idea. He tells the recipients of his letter, “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth” ( 1 John 3:18 ). He’s not saying we should refrain from expressing love and care through words. But displaying love—putting others’ needs before our own—requires much more of us. John doesn’t go on to define love. However, he does describe the ultimate example of love: “We have come to know love by this: that ...

June 17: Learning from Enemies Ezra 3:1–4:24 If a new venture is really worth pursuing, it will probably be opposed. Some people will refuse to get on board, and others will intentionally get in the way. While these people may be trying protect their own interests, it’s more likely that they don’t like change—even if it’s for the better. God’s work among His people is not that different from innovation; after all, He is the Author of all good ideas since all ideas come from His creation . And just like new ventures, God’s work is often rejected. The difference between new ventures and God’s work , though, is that all people who oppose God’s work are opposing Him , their Creator ; they’re choosing to put their own interests before His interests , which are only for good. Jeshua and Zerubbabel faced this type of opposition in the book of Ezra. After they had restored worship in Jerusalem, they began to organize the effort to lay the foundation of the temple—the place where God’...

June 16 Lesson 3 WORSHIP WITH MEANING DEVOTIONAL READING: Luke 8:9–15 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 29 LESSON AIMS After participating in this lesson, each student will be able to: 1. Tell what Isaiah had to say about the shallow worship of God’s people and God’s response to that. 2. Explain how worship can deteriorate to the point where it becomes mere lip service to God . 3. Suggest ways to avoid the insincere worship described by Isaiah. LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      “If I Only Had a Heart”       B.      Lesson Background           I.      People’s Apathy ( ISAIAH 29:9–12 )       A.      Staggered Walk ( v. 9 )       B.      Spiritual Sleep ( v. 10 )       C.      Sealed Vision ( vv. 11 , 12 )       Unopened Gifts         ...

June 16 Lesson 3 WORSHIP WITH MEANING DEVOTIONAL READING: Luke 8:9–15 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : Isaiah 29 KEY VERSE The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me . Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” — Isaiah 29:13 LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      “If I Only Had a Heart”       B.      Lesson Background           I.      People’s Apathy ( ISAIAH 29:9–12 )       A.      Staggered Walk ( v. 9 )       B.      Spiritual Sleep ( v. 10 )       C.      Sealed Vision ( vv. 11 , 12 )       Unopened Gifts           II.      God’s Awareness ( ISAIAH 29:13–16 )       A.      Disgustin...

SUNDAY , JUNE 16, 2013 | PENTECOST PROPER 6 YEAR C              Old Testament       2 Samuel 11:26–12:10 , 12:13–14              Psalm       Psalm 32:1–7              Epistle       Galatians 2:15–21 , 3:10–14              Gospel       Luke 7:36–8:3 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JUNE 16, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 6 YEAR C               Old Testament       1 Kings 21:1–21a              Psalm       Psalm 5:1–8 ( UMH 742 )               New Testament       Galatians 2:15–21               Gospel       Luke 7:36–8:3 Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JUNE 16, 2013 | PENTECOST FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST              Old Testament       Deuteronomy 32:3–12              Psalm       Psalm 103               New Testament       1 Peter 5:6–11              Gospel       Luke 15:1–10 Christian Worship One Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JUNE 16, 2013 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 6 YEAR C   Old Testament & Psalm , Option I              Old Testament       1 Kings 21:1–10 ( 11–14 ) 15–21a              Psalm       Psalm 5:1–8   or   Old Testament & Psalm , Option II               Old Testament       2 Samuel 11:26–12:10 , 12:13–15              Psalm       Psalm 32              New Testament       Galatians 2:15–21               Gospel       Luke 7:36–8:3 Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

SUNDAY , JUNE 16, 2013 | ORDINARY TIME ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C               First Reading       2 Samuel 12:7–10 , 13               Response       Psalm 32:5c               Psalm       Psalm 32:1–2 , 5 , 7 , 11               Second Reading       Galatians 2:16 , 19–21               Gospel Acclamation       1 John 4:10b               Gospel       Luke 7:36–8:3 or Luke 7:36–50 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

June 16: Not Perfect? 1 John 3:5–10 Sometimes sin can discourage us to the point that we loathe ourselves. At first glance, John’s letter seems to encourage this. Addressing a struggling church community, John seems to call for perfection: “And you know that that one was revealed in order that he might take away sins, and in him there is no sin. Everyone who resides in him does not sin. Everyone who sins has neither seen him nor known him” ( 1 John 3:5–6 ). Does this mean that people who struggle with sin are unable to know God ? In his letter, John is actually addressing the false idea that was rampant in the community he addressed—that Christ’s sacrifice had covered sin, and therefore it was permissible to keep sinning. This is an issue that Paul addresses in his letter to the Roman Christ ians : “Should we go on sinning then, that grace may increase? May it never be!” ( Rom 6:2 ). John answers the same way. He’s not saying that any sin indicates an inability to know God —he’...

June 15: Encouragement and Positivity 2 Chronicles 35:1–36:23 If we were to make encouragement one of our main strategies, we’d see positive results in most situations. If we made providing for others one of our goals, the world would be a kinder place. King Josiah epitomizes both of these attributes in 2 Chr 35:1–19 . Josiah’s actions mark not only a remarkable transition from being unfamiliar with God’s Word to living it out ( 2 Chr 34:8–33 ), but also a move from religiosity to compassion. Josiah could have coldly observed the Passover out of ritual, but instead he encourages the religious leaders and empowers them to do God’s work . His encouragement changes the outcome: The religious leaders embrace their task. Josiah also provides for them, allowing them to make the necessary changes. He frees them up from their usual obligations so that they may help others ( 2 Chr 35:3 ); he takes care of their fiscal needs ( 2 Chr 35:7 ). His example inspires others to give as well ( 2...