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

Even the parts of creation we can’t see reflect God’s glory and power . His glory surrounds us. No matter what we’re going through, God is working , even when we can’t see it and don’t understand. Let’s praise Him today, for “ He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted” ( Job 5:9 ). By   Julie Schwab

Lord , thank You for the detail You put into creation and for being at work even when we can’t see it.

Insight  After three rounds of heated discussion, Job and his friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar ( Job 2:11 ) are at an impasse in their debate of theodicy—the question of why a good God permits evil. Elihu, being a much younger man, had waited for his turn to speak and now gives his insights ( chs. 32–37 ). Elihu was a Buzite ( 32:2 ). Buz was a son of Nahor, Abraham’s brother ( Genesis 22:20–21 ), which makes Elihu a descendant of one of Abraham’s nephews. Concluding his rebuke in this fourth and final speech, Elihu highlights God’s power and majesty ( chs . 36–37 ). He asks Job to “consider God’s wonders ” ( 37:14 ) in controlling His creation, challenging Job to explain how God sovereignly controls the meteorological elements—the clouds, lightning, winds, skies, and sun ( vv . 15–24 ). Elihu tells Job to fear and revere such a great God ( v . 24 ). By:  K. T. Sim

January 30: Difficult Definitions Genesis 47–48 ; Hebrews 11 ; Ecclesiastes 12:1–8 As an editor, I love definitions. The field of lexicography can be complex, but when a definition is finally solidified, there’s comfort to be found. It becomes something stable. This is also the reason I love the book of Hebrews: the author is keen on definitions, clarifying terminology, and using analogies to prove his points. “Now faith is the realization of what is hoped for, the proof of things not seen” ( Heb 11:1 ). In this succinct definition, I have perspective on the essence of faith. There is no room for doubt or error. The hope referred to is Jesus . And the proof is in an assurance that even though we cannot see Him , we have confidence in His work both presently and in the future . The author goes on to say, “For by this [faith] the people of old were approved [by God] . By faith we understand the worlds were created by the word of God , in order that what is seen did not come ...

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Fixed Feasts Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs Bright Vestments On the same date: Thirty-Seventh Wednesday after Pentecost Matins Gospel John 10:9–16 ( Greek ) Epistle Hebrews 13:7–16 Gospel Matthew 5:14–19   Byzantine Lectionary (Gregorian) . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2015. Print. Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Fixed Feasts Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs Bright Vestments On the same date: Thirty-Sixth Wednesday after Pentecost Matins Gospel John 10:9–16 ( Greek ) Epistle Hebrews 13:7–16 Gospel Matthew 5:14–19   Byzantine Lectionary (Revised Julian) . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2015. Print. Wed, Jan 30, 2019 (Jan 17, 2019) | Fixed Feasts Anthony the Great Bright Vestments On the same date: Thirty-Sixth Wednesday after Pentecost Epistle Hebrews 13:7–16 Gospel Luke 6:17–23   Byzantine Lectionary (Julian) . Bellingham, WA: ...

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Ordinary Time Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 | Roman Missal | Lectionary First Reading Hebrews 10:11–18 Response Psalm 110:4b Psalm Psalm 110:1–4 Gospel Acclamation Text Gospel Mark 4:1–20   Catholic Daily Readings . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2009. Print. Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Epiphany Wednesday of the Third Week after Epiphany Year 1 Psalms ( Morning ) Psalm 119:49–72 Psalms ( Evening ) Psalm 49 ( 53 ) Old Testament Isaiah 49:1–12 New Testament Galatians 2:11–21 Gospel Mark 6:13–29  The Episcopal Church. Book of Common Prayer Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2010. Print. Wednesday, January 30, 2019 | Epiphany Wednesday after the Third Sunday after the Epiphany Year C Psalm Psalm 119:89–96 First Reading Jeremiah 36:27–32 Second Reading Luke 4:38–44  Consultation on Common T...

Our doubts and troubles offer a strange gift: they reveal how lost we are and how much we need God to move toward us. We see now the remarkable, improbable story. In Jesus , God   did  rip the heavens and come to us. Christ surrendered His own ripped and broken body so that He could overwhelm us with His love . In Jesus , God is very near. By   Winn Collier

Isaiah 64:1 Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down. Bible in a Year Exodus 21-22 ; Matthew 19

Continue to pray for the federal worker's that returned to work today amiss arrogance, and a puffed-up spirit for self-gratification of power. This act of civil disobedience reminds me of Ephesians 6:12-13 , KJV, 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God , that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  The Word of God speaks the truth of today's federal government. Wherefore, my supplication is for the ruler to know that God is looking down on his arrogance. There will be a day of judgment, and every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord and Savior .  Come to Jesus while breath is in your body, and blood is flowing within it in genuine repentance for the remission of your terrible sins. In Jesus' name is my petition. Amen. ...

What questions or doubts do you have to talk with God about?

Insight  The prophecies of Isaiah express the heart of a loving Father for a family that had lost its way ( Isaiah 1:1–3 ). In visions spanning decades of warning, invasion, and exile, the prophet urges his people to remember that no eye has ever seen and no ear has heard of any other God who can rescue those who wait on Him ( 64:4 ). Centuries later, the apostle Paul recalls Isaiah’s words—with a slight twist. He describes a God whose saving power is unlike anything that has ever been seen or heard. Reflecting on the crucifixion of Jesus ( 1 Corinthians 2:2 , 8 ), Paul reminds us that only by the Spirit of God can we believe in a God good enough to die for us ( vv . 7–16 ). By:  Mart DeHaan

January 29: The New Deal Genesis 45–46 ; Hebrews 10 ; Ecclesiastes 11:5–10 “I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people.” These words were spoken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a speech which unveiled a series of economic strategies for ending the Great Depression . We love newness because it holds hope. The same should be true when we look to the new covenant of Jesus . Although it may not feel quite as new as it did nearly 2,000 years ago—when it altered the spiritual landscape like the New Deal forced economic vitality into America—it still holds the same power today. This covenant is first mentioned in Hebrews 8 ; and in Hebrews 10 , we see the full implications of it: “For by one offering he has perfected for all time those who are made holy .… Now where there is forgiveness of [sins], there is no longer an offering for sin” ( Heb 10:14 , 18 ). Prior to Jesus , there was a need for regular sacrifices for sins to be made, but since Jesu...

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Octoechos Thirty-Seventh Tuesday after Pentecost Epistle Ephesians 2:19–3:7 (17th Tuesday, Greek ) or James 3:1–10 (32nd Tuesday, Slavic ) Gospel Mark 11:11–23 (17th Tuesday, Greek ) or Mark 11:11–23 (32nd Tuesday, Slavic )   Byzantine Lectionary (Gregorian) . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2015. Print. Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Octoechos Thirty-Sixth Tuesday after Pentecost Epistle Galatians 5:11–21 (16th Tuesday, Greek ) or Hebrews 12:25 , 26 , 13:22–25 (31st Tuesday, Slavic ) Gospel Mark 7:5–16 (16th Tuesday, Greek ) or Mark 10:2–12 (31st Tuesday, Slavic )   Byzantine Lectionary (Revised Julian) . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2015. Print. Tue, Jan 29, 2019 (Jan 16, 2019) | Octoechos Thirty-Sixth Tuesday after Pentecost Epistle Hebrews 4:1–13 (29th Tuesday, Greek ) or Hebrews 12:25 , 26 , 13:22–25 (31st Tuesday, Slavic ) Gospel Luke 21:12–19 (29th Tuesday, Gr...

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Ordinary Time Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 | Roman Missal | Lectionary First Reading Hebrews 10:1–10 Response Psalm 40:8a , 9a Psalm Psalm 40:2 , 4ab , 7–8a , 10–11 Gospel Acclamation Matthew 11:25 Gospel Mark 3:31–35   Catholic Daily Readings . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2009. Print. Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Epiphany Tuesday of the Third Week after Epiphany Year 1 Psalms ( Morning ) Psalm 45 Psalms ( Evening ) Psalm 47 , 48 Old Testament Isaiah 48:12–21 New Testament Galatians 1:18–2:10 Gospel Mark 6:1–13  The Episcopal Church. Book of Common Prayer Lectionary . Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2010. Print. Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | Epiphany Tuesday after the Third Sunday after the Epiphany Year C Psalm Psalm 119:89–96 First Reading Jeremiah 36:11–26 Second Reading 2 Corinthians 7:2–12   Consu...

Psalm 94:19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Bible in a Year Exodus 19-20 ; Matthew 18:21-35

Almighty Jehovah , thank you for answering the prayers of the righteous to humble the President, even for fifteen (15) days, to restore the federal government. I and other Christ ian prayer-warriors pray for humility of the President showing that feeding the people (infants, children, adults (well and infirmities)), and restoring the government, and its various budgets. A wall cannot do any of those things in God's eyesight . One can see it as worship and a monument to the President. In Jesus name , I pray. Amen.

God invites us to take our laments to Him . He can turn our fear , sadness, and helplessness into praise . By   Linda Washington

Lord, I pour out my heart to You . Take my hurts and my anger, and grant me Your peace .

Insight  There are many prayers recorded in the Bible, but the book of Psalms is dedicated to followers of God actively talking to God . The psalms are full of the raw emotions of God’s people . Sorrow, joy, confusion, anger, desperation, praise, and lament can be read from beginning to end. We often turn to them when we need encouragement to share our deepest and truest feelings with God . The psalms not only teach us about God , but perhaps primarily we see how the people of ancient Israel, both individually and corporately, approached Him . While there were prescribed rites and rituals that happened in the temple, the psalms show us God as a personal God who relates to individuals with specific and personal concerns. By:  J.R. Hudberg

January 28: Carpe Diem Genesis 44 ; Hebrews 8–9 ; Ecclesiastes 11:1–4 The Latin phrase Carpe Diem , means “seize the day.” Taking risks to make your life extraordinary is biblical, if done according to God’s plan and principles . The idea behind this comes from Ecclesiastes : “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days” ( Eccl 11:1 ). Bread acts as the symbol for substance in the ancient world; the author of Ecclesiastes is suggesting that we should follow God’s plan , even at the possible cost of our livelihood. He then suggests that what we give to God , He will return . This is opposite from a self-protection mentality. The “waters” in the proverb represent chaos, suggesting that in letting go of even the most chaotic circumstances, we learn about God’s ability to give what we need . This is further illustrated when the author says, “Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.… He who obser...