Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants - Daily Bible Readings December 4,2015

1^ST READING

 

This prophecy promises that the truth about God will be made known to all. This gives hope for believers, especially those who are being persecuted. We are challenged to commit to and understand our faith. We cannot hide behind institutional belief. We live in a day and age of personal freedom and responsibility.

 

Isaiah 29:17-24

17 Thus says the Lord God: But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! 18 On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; and out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. 19 The lowly will ever find joy in the Lord, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 20 For the tyrant will be no more and the arrogant will have gone; all who are alert to do evil will be cut off, 21 those whose mere word condemns a man, who ensnare his defender at the gate, and leave the just man with an empty claim. 22 Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of the house of Jacob, who redeemed Abraham: Now Jacob shall have nothing to be ashamed of, nor shall his face grow pale. 23 When his children see the work of my hands in his midst, they shall keep my name holy; they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob, and be in awe of the God of Israel. 24 Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14

R: The Lord is my light and my salvation.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (R) 4 One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek, to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate his temple. (R) 13 I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

 

Does God’s goodness depend on our faith? In the first instance it is not — otherwise there would be no salvation to offer. In the second  instance it is, as the greater our faith, the more we will be able to draw from the storehouse of grace that God offers us. Faith in God puts believers at an advantage over unbelievers. However, it does not mean that unbelievers are without access to God. It is always possible that they will realize their mistake and seek our God of mercy and love.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.

 

Matthew 9:27-31

27 As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” 30 And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” 31 But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.

think: Faith in God puts believers at an advantage over unbelievers.

 

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: __________________

 

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God’s special verse/thought for me today_

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR  Ezekiel 33-36