Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich - Daily Bible Readings March 3,2014

1^ST READING

 

I wonder if what Peter is saying is true for us all, namely that we are rejoicing with indescribable and glorious joy as we work out our salvation in faith. This is one of the challenges of being a Christian — maintaining the joy that we should have, knowing that we have received the gift of salvation. Why is it such a challenge? One of the reasons is that we allow ourselves to become too busy and do not have enough free time to reflect upon the nature of our faith and all that it should mean to us.

 

1 Peter 1:3-9

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you 5 who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. 6 In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 111:1-2, 5-6, 9, 10

R: The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

1 I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. 2 Great are the works of the Lord, exquisite in all their delights. (R) 5 He has given food to those who fear him; he will forever be mindful of his covenant. 6 He has made known to his people the power of his works, giving them the inheritance of the nations. (R) 9 He has sent deliverance to his people; he has ratified his covenant forever; holy and awesome is his name. 10 His praise endures forever. (R)

 

 

GOSPEL

 

Jesus tells the wealthy young man that it is not his riches that will give him ultimate joy and satisfaction. Only a life of discipleship can do this. It is important for us to remember this as we seek to live comfortably here on earth — because that is simply what they are, for the duration of our lives here on earth. There is so much more to come in eternal life in heaven.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

 

177

Mark 10:17-27

17 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.’ ” 20 He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

LIST

think: It is not riches that will give us ultimate joy and satisfaction. Only a life of discipleship can do this.

 

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 1 Peter 1-5