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Today's Verse of the Day is From Romans 5:8 KJV Translation: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. NKJV Translation: But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Prayer Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy May the  Lord God Yahweh  bless us all as we begin a new week not knowing if myself or you will see today's end, or the weeks end. Now, let us thank  God  for this moment with humility, honor and praise for last week and this very moment. Thank  Him  for: your life, health and strength. Not forgetting about others in your family, friends, enemies and the peoples of the world. Pray for your President, those dictators that kill and oppress their people. Lets not forget the sick, disabled, incarcerated and the mentally ill and those suffering from autism. In   Jesus' name  . Amen.

March 31 Gifts and Grace Numbers 35:1–36:13 ; 1 Corinthians 16:1–24 ; Psalm 30:1–12 “ Yahweh spoke to Moses on the desert plains of Moab beyond the Jordan across Jericho, saying, ‘Command the children of Israel that they give to the Levites from the inheritance of their property cities to live in; and you will give to the Levites pastureland all around the cities’ ” ( Num 35:1–2 ). The idea of giving is ancient. Before God’s people even enter the promised land, they’re commanded to help the Levites—who will be serving them as spiritual leaders—by giving them cities. Now that God has given to the people, He asks that they give back to His work . There is an opportunity for obedience, and this obedience will come with the blessing of continued spiritual guidance from the people to whom they are giving the land. But giving is not the only concept at play here. Shortly after this, God asks the people to provide refuge cities for murderers ( Num 35:6–8 ). He institutes a system...

Today's Verse of the Day is From 1 John  2:15 KJV Translation: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. NKJV Translation: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Prayer By: Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy Heavenly Father , I [we] come this Lord's Day in humility thanking and giving You praise and glory for life, health and strength through Your grace and mercy .  To those that cannot go to their churches or synagogues because of sicknesses, incarceration or fighting frivolous wars on foreign lands: this Internet ministry today gives you the International Sunday School Lesson as well as the liturgy's for all major church denominations.  I pray that you will, and can find time to edify your spiritual soul. In Jesus' name . Amen. 

TRIUMPHANT AND VICTORIOUS DEVOTIONAL READING: Psalm 47 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE : Zechariah 9:9 , 10 ; Matthew 21:1–11 ZECHARIAH 9:9 , 10 Graphic: Design Pics/Thinkstock KEY VERSE The multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord ; Hosanna in the highest.— Matthew 21:9 JESUS’ FULFILLMENT OF SCRIPTURE Unit 2: What the Prophets Foretold LESSONS 5–9 LESSON AIMS After participating in this lesson, each student will be able to: 1. Tell the key details of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem in light of Zechariah’s prophecy. 2. Explain the combination of humility and royalty that characterizes Jesus . 3. Express how he or she will demonstrate appropriate humility while also recognizing his or her privileged position as a child of King Jesus . LESSON OUTLINE Introduction       A.      Spotting Royalty       B. ...

Lesson for March 30, 2014 Triumphant and Victorious Z echariah 9:9 , 10; Matthew 21:1-11 This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD . ______ By Sam E. Stone Continuing this quarter’s study, “ Jesus ’ Fulfillment of Scripture ,” we come to the Triumphal Entry . It marks the beginning of the end of our Savior’s earthly life . The event had been foretold centuries before by the prophet Zechariah. He served as a priest along with Haggai, urging the Jews to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem ( see Ezra 5:1 , 2 ). James E. Smith pointed out four important facts found in Zechariah 9 concerning the coming Prince of Peace : 1. The promise of his coming ( v. 9 ) 2. The character of the ruler ( v. 9 ) 3. The nature of the kingdom ( v. 10 ) 4. The redemption of the coming ruler ( v. 11 ) These predictions all find their fulfillment in the coming of Jesus . The King Is Comi...

SUNDAY , MARCH 30, 2014 | LENT FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT YEAR A              Old Testament       1 Samuel 16:1–13              Psalm       Psalm 23               New Testament       Ephesians 5:8–14              Gospel       John 9:1–41 Revised Common Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009. Print.

SUNDAY , MARCH 30, 2014 | LENT FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT YEAR A              Old Testament       1 Samuel 16:1–13              Psalm       Psalm 23 (UMH 754 or 137)              New Testament       Ephesians 5:8–14              Gospel       John 9:1–41 Vanderbilt Divinity Library. United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009. Print.

SUNDAY , MARCH 30, 2014 | LENT FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT YEAR A               Psalm       Psalm 23              First Reading       1 Samuel 16:1–13              Second Reading       ( Ephesians 5:1–7 ) 8–14              Gospel       John 9:1–13 ( 14–27 ) 28–38 The Episcopal Church. Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2010. Print.

SUNDAY , MARCH 30, 2014 | LENT FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT YEAR A               Old Testament       Isaiah 42:14–21              Psalm       Psalm 142               Epistle       Ephesians 5:8–14               Gospel       John 9:1–41 or John 9:1–7 , 13–17 , 34–39 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009. Print.

March 30 Taunting Death Numbers 33:50–34:29 ; 1 Corinthians 15:35–58 ; Psalm 29:1–11 My best friend’s mother, a dear family friend, died of Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). Over the span of three years, the disease attacked her nerve cells, starting with her hands and feet and moving inward to her vital organs. Every time I visited her, she would be changed—her cane became a wheelchair, and her warbled words were muffled into silence. Although she was fully alert, she slowly lost the ability to communicate her feelings and needs. In the end, only her eyes displayed the tumultuous feelings underneath. Those who confront the reality of death or the death of a loved one don’t doubt their own fallibility. They are closely acquainted with the reality that so many strangely disregard. And they cling to the hope of the resurrection that Paul eloquently relays, and that the Corinthians were slow to understand and believe: “We will all be changed, in a moment, in the blink of an eye, at the...

Today's Verse of the Day is From 1 Kings  18:37 KJV Translation: Hear me, O LORD , hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God , and that thou hast turned their heart back again. NKJV Translation: Hear me, O LORD , hear me, that this people may know that you are the LORD God , and that you have turned their heart back again. Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

March 29 Prayer and Hope for the Anxious Numbers 33:1–49 ; 1 Corinthians 15:12–34 ; Psalm 28:1–9 Anxiety, depression, and fear aren’t part of the Christ ian life—or the ideal Christ ian life, anyway. But for those who struggle with these emotions, this tidy concept isn’t helpful or true. What is helpful is hope and belief in the midst of tumultuous emotion. The writer of Psa 28 expresses deep anxiety, but even as he does this, he expresses trust in Yahweh: “To you, O Yahweh , I call. O my rock, do not be deaf to me. Or else, if you are silent to me, then I will become like those descending to the pit” ( Psa 28:1 ). Though he feels like God is not listening, the psalmist doesn’t stop pursuing God . He worships and cries for help anyway. In contrast to the “workers of evil” who “do not regard the works of Yahweh , nor the work of his hands ,” the psalmist puts all of his dependence and trust in Yahweh ( Psa 28:3 , 5 ). Halfway through the psalm , the petition turns to prai...

Prayer By: Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy Father , bless my Jewish and 7th Day Adventist brothers and sisters that keep Your  Sabbath Day  from the  OT . Bless and keep them. May those  Christi ans  that look down on those religious denominations learn to respect their rights in service to  You .  In  Jesus' name  is my prayer. Amen.

Today's Verse of the Day is From Matthew  5:16 KJV Translation: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. NKJV Translation: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Rooted and Established Ephesians 3:17-19 Excerpt ‎Paul continued his prayer by repeating his request that Christ be the center of believers’ lives. He stated this in a mixed metaphor of biological and architectural terminology: being rooted (like a plant) and established (like a building) in love. The participles “being rooted and established” are in the perfect tense, indicating a past action with continuing results. Hoehner, Harold W. “ Ephesians .” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures . Ed. J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck. Vol. 2 . Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. 631. Print.

Christ at Home in our Hearts Ephesians 3:16 Excerpt ‎The result of this is that through faith Christ may dwell in believers’ hearts, that is, their whole personalities. “Dwell” (katoikēsai) refers not to the beginning of Christ’s indwelling at the moment of salvation. Instead it denotes the desire that Christ may, literally, “be at home in,” that is, at the very center of or deeply rooted in, believers’ lives. They are to let Christ become the dominating factor in their attitudes and conduct. Hoehner, Harold W. “ Ephesians .” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Ed. J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck. Vol. 2 . Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. 631. Print.

You Became the Slaves of Righteousness Excerpt ‎There are two gifts of God which he here points out. The “freeing from sin,” and also the “making them servants to righteousness,” which is better than any freedom. For God hath done the same as if a person were to take an orphan, who had been carried away by savages into their own country, and were not only to free him from captivity, but were to set a kind father ever him, and bring him to very great dignity. And this has been done in our case. For it was not our old evils alone that He freed us from, since He even led us to the life of angels, and paved the way for us to the best conversation, handing us over to the safe keeping of righteousness, and killing our former evils, and deadening the old man, and leading us to an immortal life. John Chrysostom. “Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans.” Saint Chrysostom: Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles and the Ep...

Eye of a needle ‎The picture shows some needles that were found in Samaria. The eye of a needle is the smallest transfixion that exists in the daily life of Palestinians. In one of the Gospel parables it is juxtaposed to the bigness of a camel. ‎Matt 19:24 ; Mark 10:25 ; Luke 18:25

First Fruits Romans 8:23 Excerpt ‎“first fruits” is a technical term taken from the Jewish sacrificial system; it describes the first yield of the harvest or the first offspring of animals which had to be dedicated to God before the rest could be used. In the present context the word is used of that which God gives to man rather than that which man offers to God , and so the imagery has changed somewhat. Not only has the imagery changed, but in some places in the New Testament this word is used simply with the meaning of “first” ( See 11.16 ; 1 Corinthians 15.23 ; 16.15 ). Newman, Barclay Moon, and Eugene Albert Nida. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans . New York: United Bible Societies, 1973. Print. UBS Handbook Series.

Mountain Imagery Proverbs 8:25 Excerpt ‎Mountains are a symbol of eternal continuance ( Dt. 33:15 ; Hab. 3:6 ) and stability ( Is. 54:10 ). They are considered as the earliest created things ( Jb. 15:7 ; Pr. 8:25 ), of ancient origin ( Ps. 90:2 ) and objects of the Creator’s might ( Ps. 65:6 ) and majesty ( Ps. 68:16 ). They are the scenes of theophanies, melting at Yahweh’s presence ( Jdg. 5:5 . Ps. 97:5 ; Is. 64:1 ; Mi. 1:4 ) and shuddering at his judgments ( Ps. 18:7 ; Mi. 6:1f .). They are called to cover the guilty from his face ( Ho. 10:8 ; Lk. 23:30 ). When God touches them they bring forth smoke ( Pss. 104:32 ; 144:5 ). They also rejoice at the advent of Israel’s redemption ( Ps. 98:8 ; Is. 44:23 ; 49:13 ; 55:12 ), leap at the praise of the Lord ( Ps. 114:4 , 6 ) and are called to witness his dealings with his people ( Mi. 6:2 ). Houston, J. M. “Mount, Mountain.” Ed. D. R. W. Wood et al. New Bible dictionary 1996 : 789. Print.

March 29 Prayer and Hope for the Anxious Numbers 33:1–49 ; 1 Corinthians 15:12–34 ; Psalm 28:1–9 Anxiety, depression, and fear aren’t part of the Christ ian life—or the ideal Christ ian life, anyway. But for those who struggle with these emotions, this tidy concept isn’t helpful or true. What is helpful is hope and belief in the midst of tumultuous emotion. The writer of Psa 28 expresses deep anxiety, but even as he does this, he expresses trust in Yahweh : “To you , O Yahweh , I call. O my rock, do not be deaf to me. Or else, if you are silent to me, then I will become like those descending to the pit” ( Psa 28:1 ). Though he feels like God is not listening, the psalmist doesn’t stop pursuing God . He worships and cries for help anyway. In contrast to the “workers of evil” who “do not regard the works of Yahweh , nor the work of his hands ,” the psalmist puts all of his dependence and trust in Yahweh ( Psa 28:3 , 5 ). Halfway through the psalm, the petition turns to pra...

Rooted and Established Ephesians 3:17-19 Excerpt ‎Paul continued his prayer by repeating his request that Christ be the center of believers’ lives. He stated this in a mixed metaphor of biological and architectural terminology: being rooted (like a plant) and established (like a building) in love.  The participles “being rooted and established"  are in the perfect tense, indicating a past action with continuing results. Hoehner, Harold W. “Ephesians.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Ed. J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck. Vol. 2 . Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. 631. Print.

Jesus Enters Jerusalem Excerpt ‎Bethphage ( v. 1 ) and Bethany ( v. 17 ) were two small villages just to the east of Jerusalem on or near the slopes of the large hill, known as the Mount of Olives, which dominated the skyline of that side of town. Matthew includes the place names to remind his readers how near Jesus is to Jerusalem and perhaps also to evoke the messianic associations of the Mount of Olives ( Zech 14:4 ; see further under 24:3 ). Jesus is consciously making preparations to enter Jerusalem after the fashion of Zech 9:9 , with echoes of I sa 62:11 . Zechariah’s prophecy was widely interpreted in rabbinic literature as messianic ( e.g. , Gen. Rab. 98.9; b. Sanh 98a , 99a ; Qoh. Rab. 1.9) . As again later with their preparation for the Passover ( 26:18 ), it is not clear whether the disciples’ rendezvous stems from Jesus’ prior arrangements or from his supernatural insight. “The Lord ” is, more literally, their Lord/Master and also suggests a double entendre. T...

The Work of the Trinity in Salvation Ephesians 3:14-17 Excerpt ‎The Father gives us our identity, the Spirit strengthens and empowers, and Christ “dwells in our hearts through faith” as the wellspring of transforming love. Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. electronic ed . Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991. Print.

Christ at Home in Our Hearts Ephesians 3:16 Excerpt ‎The result of this is that through faith Christ may dwell in believers’ hearts, that is, their whole personalities. “Dwell” (katoikēsai) refers not to the beginning of Christ’s indwelling at the moment of salvation . Instead it denotes the desire that Christ may, literally, “be at home in,” that is, at the very center of or deeply rooted in, believers’ lives. They are to let Christ become the dominating factor in their attitudes and conduct. Hoehner, Harold W. “Ephesians.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures . Ed. J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck. Vol. 2 . Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. 631. Print.

Whither Goest Thou Excerpt ‎ During the first persecution of Christ ians by Emperor Nero, Christ ians begged Peter not to expose his life which was considered necessary to the well-being of the church. Finally, Peter consented to depart from Rome, but as he fled along the Appian Way, about two miles from the gates, he was met by a vision of the Saviour traveling towards the city.  ‎Struck with amazement, he exclaimed, “ Lord , whither goest thou?” The Saviour , looking upon him with a mild sadness, replied, “ I go to Rome to be crucified a second time,” and vanished. Peter immediately turned back and reentered the city.  … Tan, Paul Lee. Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times . Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc., 1996. Print.

‎ Burial Complex from the Hellenistic period The grave complex in Maresha in the Shephelah is typical for the Hellenistic period. Whereas in pre-exilic times the tombs were owned by families, there are now larger graves with many niches wherein the bodies could be laid to rest. The graves were still underground and cut out of the rock. ‎Dan 12:2 ; Sirach 30:18 ; 51:6 ; Let Jer 6:71 ; 1 Macc 2:70 ; 2 Macc 5:10

April 1 Moving On Deuteronomy 1:1–46 ; 2 Corinthians 1:1–11 ; Psalm 31:1–9 “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Turn now and move on” ( Deut 1:6–7 ). We have a terrible tendency to stay in one place or keep doing one activity longer than we should. Our meetings run long, we constantly work overtime, or we overstay a welcome. And then there’s the most significant problem of all: we ignore God’s command to leave a place, position, or role. Change can be refreshing. But the countless decisions and the difficult and frustrating moments that accompany change can often keep us from moving forward. We become comfortable where we are, and we fear the unknown. Indeed, the majority of people (including Christ ians ) live seemingly meaningless lives. Most American Christ ians spend more hours per day doing comfortable things, like watching TV, than they do praying, reading their Bibles , or serving others (usually combined). Yet what do the elderly always tell us? “I wish ...

March 28 Risk: Oversold and Underplayed Numbers 32:1–42 ; 1 Corinthians 14:26–15:11 ; Psalm 27:1–14 The fears of the psalmist are not our fears today, and the fact that they aren’t should bother us. The psalmist remarks, “Do not give me over to the desire of my enemies, because false witnesses have arisen against me, and each breathing out violence. Surely I believe that I will see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living” ( Psa 27:12–13 ). How many of us have legitimate enemies because of our faith? And how many of us experience violence because of the way we believe? There are many problems with Christ ianity today, but one of the most pervasive is the lack of willingness to take major risks for Jesus . Likewise, there is unbelief in God’s incredible ability to overcome all that we face. We may say that we affirm God’s power to beat all odds, but we don’t face the odds as if that were true. If we did, there would be far more world-changing Christ ians than there ...

Today's Verse of the Day is From Exodus 34:7 KJV Translation: 7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. NKJV Translation: 7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

March 27 Tongues, Prophecy, and the Thing We Call Love Numbers 31:1–54 ; 1 Corinthians 14:1–25 ; Psalm 26:1–12 Nearly anything good can become unproductive if it’s abused or misused. Paul is all about embracing the side of spirituality that can seem a bit wacky to us today—gifts of tongues and prophecy, to name a few. But he is fully aware of the problems that can come from these gifts being used in a way that doesn’t fit within God’s will . And Paul’s primary concern is that spiritual gifts are used only within the bounds of love. Love is what it’s all about. “Pursue love, and strive for spiritual gifts , but especially that you may prophesy. For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God , because no one understands, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries” ( 1 Cor 14:1–2 ). By tongues, Paul is likely referencing the “tongues of angels” —some angelic language ( 1 Cor 13:1 )—although elsewhere the term is used in reference to people speaking in a languag...

Today's Verse of the Day is From Isaiah 55:10 KJV Translation: For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: NKJV Translation: For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not thither, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

March 26 Grace and Favor Numbers 30:1–16 ; 1 Corinthians 12:12–13:13 ; Psalm 25:1–22 Usually when we seek someone’s goodwill, we emphasize our own winning traits or accomplishments. Our supervisor, significant other, or family members are barraged with a list of our actions in an attempt to get the other to respond in kind. Often this results in a tug-of-war mentality, basing all we deserve on what we give. But our relationship with God doesn’t follow these rules. God’s mercy isn’t based on what we’ve done—it’s based entirely on His own goodness . The psalmist, realizing this, turns all of his attention to God’s mercy in Psa 25 : “Remember your compassion, O Yahweh , and your acts of loyal love, because they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions. According to your loyal love, remember me if you will , for the sake of your goodness, O Yahweh ” ( Psa 25:6–7 ). In this individual lament, the psalmist reaches out to Yahweh with a cry f...

Today's Verse of the Day is From Zechariah 9:9 KJV Translation: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. NKJV Translation: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes to you: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on an ass, and on a colt the foal of an ass. Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.

March 25 Thoughtless Iconoclasm Numbers 29:1–40 ; 1 Corinthians 11:17–12:11 ; Psalm 24:1–10 When we learn something new about life and faith, it’s tempting to use our knowledge and freedom to tear down religious constructs and artifices—exposing truth in a way that’s not helpful or edifying. If we're honest, pushing boundaries and living edgy and unfettered gives us a rush. Paul warns the Corinthian Christ ians against this attitude: “All things are permitted, but not all things are profitable. All things are permitted, but not all things build up” ( 1 Cor 10:23 ). Paul sets up a contrast, juxtaposing the clauses to set apart what should really be the focus of the Corinthians. Paul stresses that instead of flaunting freedom, we should be focused on what is helpful and constructive for the community. Seeking the good of the other person should be our first reflex. And it’s not simply limited to the Christ ian community. Paul states: “Therefore, whether you eat or you...

Today's Verse of the Day is From Romans 8:1 KJV Translation: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus , who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit . NKJV Translation: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit . Explore Thomas Nelson's King James Bibles and take your Bible reading further. © Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishers.