Good works are not done by seeking pleasure for ourselves - Daily Bible Readings November 4,2013

1^ST READING

 

God is the source of all goodness. Whatever goodness we may experience from someone here on earth will be nothing compared to what we will experience in our relationship with God. It does not matter how deep we have plumbed the depths of God’s goodness; we can go deeper still. At the same time, all glory belongs to Him as well, meaning that any good we do is part of His grace at work in our lives.

 

Romans 11:29-36

29 Brothers and sisters: The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. 30 Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. 32 For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all. 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? 35 Or who has given him anything that he may be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To God be glory forever. Amen.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 69:30-31, 33-34, 36-37

R: Lord, in your great love, answer me.

29 [30] But I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help, O God, protect me. 30 [31] I will praise the name of God in song, and I will glorify him with thanksgiving. (R) 32 [33] “See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts revived! 33 [34] For the Lord hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.” (R) 35 [36] For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. They shall dwell in the land and own it, 36 [37] and the descendants of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall inhabit it. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Good works are not done by seeking pleasure for ourselves. Good works are directed towards the benefit of others. Our motivations indicate the level of selfishness of our action. Sin causes us to naturally incline our actions towards self-seeking pleasure. As people trying to grow in imitation of the selflessness of God, we have to work against that inclination.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.

 

Luke 14:12-14

12 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. 13 Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; 14 blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

 

think:  Good works are not done by seeking pleasure for ourselves.

 

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 Psalm 6-10