Daily Bible Readings - April 11,2013

1^ST READING

 

Peter expresses how obedience should be a priority in our lives. It is not an easy step to take as the exigencies and immediacy of our lives shout very loudly to us, grabbing our attention. Time and time again we have to choose to shut down the voices of the world and listen to the Spirit of God, which will lead us to the path of salvation.

 

Acts 5:27-33

27 When the court officers had brought the Apostles in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, 28 “We gave you strict orders did we not, to stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” 33 When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 34:2, 9, 17-18, 19-20

R: The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

1 [2] I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 8 [9] Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. (R) 16 [17] The Lord confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. 17 [18] When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. (R) 18 [19] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. 19 [20] Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the Lord delivers him. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

We should take time to reflect on some of the scarier texts of Scriptures such as what we read today, “But anyone who refuses to believe in the Son will never see life,” as they can help us better understand the path we need to walk and avoid that which we should keep at a distance. God is not one to scare us into doing the right thing, but do not put it past Him to reveal what it means to reject Him, in order that we fully understand the possible consequences of our actions and choices.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!

 

John 3:31-36

31 The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. 34 For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to Him. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

 

think:  Time and time again we have to choose to shut down the voices of the world and listen to the Spirit of God, which will lead us to the path of salvation.

 

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 Exodus 38-40