I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me - Daily Bible Readings September 26,2013

1^ST READING

 

Haggai wants the people to realize that self-introspection is not going to serve them well in the end. If we are too self-focused, we will not be able or willing to help one another. It is only when we work together as a community that the fullness of God’s blessing will be present in our midst. Alone we are easily conquered by sin; together it is easy to stand against sin as we have the help and support of one another.

 

Haggai 1:1-8

1 On the first day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai to the governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, and to the high priest Joshua, son of Jehozadak: 2 Thus says the Lord of hosts: This people says: “The time has not yet to come to rebuild the house of the Lord.” 3 (Then this word of the Lord came through Haggai, the prophet:) 4 Is it time for you to dwell in your own paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? 5 Now thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways! 6 You have sown much, but have brought in little; you have eaten, but have not been satisfied; you have drunk, but have not been exhilarated; have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed; and whoever earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it. 7 Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways! 8 Go up into the hill country; bring timber, and build the house that I may take pleasure in it and receive my glory, says the Lord.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 9

R: The Lord takes delight in his people.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful. 2 Let Israel be glad in their maker, let the children of Zion rejoice in their king. (R) 3 Let them praise his name in the festive dance, let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp. 4 For the Lord loves his people, and he adorns the lowly with victory. (R) 5 Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy upon their couches; 6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats. 9 This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Many are fascinated with spiritual realities but refuse to surrender their lives to them out of fear of the unknown. There is an element of the unknown associated with faith in Christ as we are never quite sure if the ramifications are going to be for us personally. We need to pray for the grace to let go of the total control of our lives.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.

 

Luke 9:7-9

7 Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; 8 others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” 9 But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

LIST

think:  There is always an element of the unknown associated with faith in Christ.

 

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: __________________

 

____________________________________

 

God’s special verse/thought for me today_

_____________________________________

 

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Ezekiel 33-36