Daily Bible Readings

September 19, 2011
1st READING

The Prophet Jeremiah had prophesied that the children of Israel would be in captivity in Babylon for 70 years and after this time would return to their homeland. This text from Ezra tells us of the proclamation of King Cyrus of Persia in allowing the exiles to return to their land. Just as in the exodus from Egypt the Israelites were assisted by their captors, so here the king commands the people to assist them with gold and silver. In this story we can see how God’s plans are wonderfully fulfilled and how He goes before His people.

Ezra 1:1-6
1 In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD inspired King Cyrus of Persia to issue this proclamation throughout his kingdom, both by word of mouth and in writing: 2 “Thus says Cyrus, king of Persia: ‘All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD, the God of heaven, has given to me, and he has also charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Therefore, whoever among you belongs to any part of his people, let him go up, and may his God be with him! 4 Let everyone who has survived, in whatever place he may have dwelt, be assisted by the people of that place with silver, gold, goods, and cattle, together with free-will offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.’ ” 5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and Levites — everyone, that is, whom God had inspired to do so — prepared to go up to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. 6 All their neighbors gave them help in every way, with silver, gold, goods, and cattle, and with many precious gifts besides all their free-will offerings.

P S A L M
Psalms 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
R: The Lord has done marvels for us.
1 When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with ejoicing. (R) Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. (R) 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. 5 Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. (R) 6 Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. (R)

G O S P E L
God gives us His law and His wisdom for us to use and put into action in our lives. We should not hide our gifts. Rather, we should use them to bring glory to God. When we share our knowledge and gifts they increase; if we keep them hidden they eventually perish. So let us be active in seeking ways to share God’s message of love and be generous in the use of our gifts and talents.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Luke 8:16-18
16 Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”

my reflections
t h i n k : When we share our knowledge and gifts they increase; if we keep them hidden they eventually perish.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Jeremiah 50-52