Daily Bible Readings - February 28,2013

1^ST READING

 

We need to be careful of our own hearts — they can be like an enemy within one’s own camp. I am sure we have all experienced being deceived by our own desires and being led into sin. However, our hearts are also the source of our passion, the greatest strength we have apart from the Holy Spirit. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit help us guide our passion well and, thus, win the battle against sin.

 

Jeremiah 17:5-10

5 Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord. 6 He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, but stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth. 7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. 8 He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream, it fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green, in the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit. 9 More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it? 10 I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heart, to reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6

R: Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

1 Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, 2 but delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night. (R) 3 He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its  fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers. (R) 4 Not so the wicked, not so; they are like chaff which the wind drives away. 6 For the Lord watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

 

All of us have opportunities to help right wrongs and injustices; it is just a question of recognizing them and taking them up. The sinful structures that so often govern the social inequalities of our societies must be dismantled if true justice is going to be given to everyone. This will not be easy even if all Christians commit themselves to it; it will be impossible if we are not united towards this goal.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.

 

Luke 16:19-31

19 Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each  day. 20 And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. 22 When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ 25 Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. 26 Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ 27 He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ 30 He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’”

 

think: All of us have opportunities to help right wrongs and injustices; it is just a question of recognizing them and taking them up.

 

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 Hebrews 1-4

Daily Bible Readings - February 26,2013

1ST READING   Sodom and Gomorrah are examples of what can happen when people are willing to repent and truly change their way of living. The problem with repentance is that it cannot be a one-time event. It needs to become the pattern of our living, as we are prone to sin and keep falling into it. Let us entrust our lives to the compassion and mercy of God, and allow His Spirit to lead us every day, according to His wisdom.   Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 10 Hear the word of the Lord, princes of Sodom! Listen to the instruction of our God, people of Gomorrah! 16 Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; 17 learn to do good. Make justice your aim, redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow. 18 Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord. Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow, though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool. 19 If you are willing, and obey, you shall eat the good things of the land; 20 but if you refuse and resist, the sword shall consume you for the mouth of the Lord has spoken!   P S A L M   Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23 R: To the upright I will show the saving power of God. 8 “Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offering are before me always. 9 I take from your house no bullock, no goats out of your fold.” (R) 16 “Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, 17 though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?” (R) 21 “When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it? Or do you think that I am like yourself? I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes. 23 He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.” (R)   GOSPEL   All people in authority have a responsibility to ensure that everything they do will assist the people they govern. This includes using the law to build up the community and not become a hindrance or obstacle for the people. Yes, some laws are by their nature restrictive, and need to be so. However, the restrictions must always be for the protection of the common good. Herein lies the proper measure of the usefulness of a given law. Of course, the law must also be in accord with the truth of the dignity of our humanity.   GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the Lord, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.   Matthew 23:1-12 1 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. 5 All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, 7 greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ 8 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. 10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”   think: The problem with repentance is that it cannot be a one-time event — it needs to become the pattern of our living.           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 2 Timothy 1-4

Daily Bible Readings - February 25,2013

1^ST READING

 

Sin is a form of treason against God. It is horrific by its very nature. This should be enough to inspire us to do all we can to avoid sin at all times. We do not have any valid excuses for the sins we commit; we do know better. However, the reality also is that we seem to be unable to avoid sin. Perhaps this is where we need to put more focus, in order to try to rectify the problem of our sinfulness.

 

Daniel 9:4-10

4 “Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you and observe your commandments, 5 we have sinned, been wicked and done evil; we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws. 6 We have not obeyed your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers, and all the people of the land. 7 Justice, O Lord, is on your side; we are shamefaced even to this day: We, the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, and all Israel, near and far, in all the countries to which you have scattered them because of their treachery toward you. 8 O Lord, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers, for having sinned against you. 9 But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness! Yet we rebelled against you 10 and paid no heed to your command, O Lord, our God, to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets.”

 

P S A L M

Psalm 79:8, 9, 11, 13

R: Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.

8 Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low. (R) 9 Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake. (R) 11 Let the prisoners’ sighing come before you; with your great power free those doomed to death. 13 Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; through all generations we will declare your praise. (R)

 

GOSPEL

This text is a parallel to that of Matthew 5:48, where the text reads that we should be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. Luke tones down the strength of the statement by using the word “merciful” rather than “perfect.” This fits into Luke’s portrayal as a merciful man who desires to help the less fortunate. He wants to make responding to the Gospel and becoming a disciple of Jesus sound a little easier than in Matthew’s version of the text.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.                                 

 

Luke 6:36-38

36 Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which youNmeasure will in return be measured out to you.”

 

think: We do not have any valid excuses for the sins we commit; we do know better.

 

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 1 Timothy 4-6

 

Daily Bible Readings - February 24, 2013

Second Sunday of Lent   1ST READING     The promises which God gives to Abraham, one of which is that he will have many descendants, will be the formative structure of the Jewish faith. They will guide and inform the aspirations of the people for millennia to follow. The Jews do not believe they have been fulfilled; we Christians see Jesus and His life and ministry as their fulfillment. As we go into the second week of our Lenten journey, let us be mindful of all that God has given us and be grateful for it.   Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 5 The Lord God took Abram outside and said: “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.” 6 Abram put his faith in the Lord, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness. 7 He then said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as a possession.” 8 “O Lord God,” he asked, “How am I to know that I shall possess it?” 9 He answered him, “Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old she-goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 Abram brought him all these, split them in two, and placed each half opposite the other; but the birds he did not cut up. 11 Birds of prey swooped down on the carcasses, but Abram stayed with them. 12 As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram, and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him. 17 When the sun had set and it was dark, there appeared a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch, which passed between those pieces. 18 It was on that occasion that the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River, the Euphrates.”   P S A L M                                          Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 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) 7 Hear, O Lord, the sound of my call; have pity on me, and answer me. 8 Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks. (R) Your presence, O Lord, I seek. 9 Hide not your face from me; do not in anger repel your servant. You are my helper: cast me not off. (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)   2ND READING   St. Paul reminds the Philippians that heaven is our homeland — our pilgrimage on earth is a passing reality. It is important that we do not dismiss our earthly responsibilities to God, to one another and to creation, as they are all part of God’s plan. The choices we make determine our character and, thus, remain relevant, no matter where the focus of our lives may be. Let us remember that it is how we live that we will ultimately be judged, not how we wanted to live.   Philippians 3:17-4:1 17 Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us. 18 For many, as I have often told you and now tell you even in tears, conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their “shame.” Their minds are occupied with earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord.   GOSPEL   In the Transfiguration, Jesus’ identity as the Son of God is affirmed by the Father. It is clear that the disciples struggle to understand the implications of this, which I suppose is understandable. Moses and Elijah’s appearance informs us that Jesus is the fulfillment of the two traditions they represent, the Law and the Spirit respectively. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. He is also the Son of God.   GOSPEL ACCLAMATION From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard: This is my beloved Son, hear him.   Luke 9:28-36 28 Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. 29 While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. 34 While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” 36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen. think: The choices we make determine our character and, thus, remain relevant, no matter where the focus of our lives may be.   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 1 Timothy 1-3                                                                                                               SABBATH PAUSE My weekly time with God   THANK YOU LIST Things to be grateful for from the past week ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________   SPECIAL NEEDS Things to ask God for in the coming week ________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________   HIDDEN TREASURE Most important word God told me this week   ________________________________________________________________  _________________________________________________________________

Daily Bible Readings - February 21,2013

1^ST READING

 

Esther is the very model of a great leader in that she is willing to risk her own life 

seek higher office, whether in the Church or elsewhere. If a leader is not willing to subjugate his own desires to the needs of the people he serves, then he is not fit for leadership.

 

Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 (or Esther 4:28, 30-32, 39-41)

28 [C:12] Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish, had recourse to the Lord. 30 [C:14] She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids, from morning until evening, and said: “God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you. Help me, who am alone and have no help but you, 31 [C:15] for I am taking my life in my hand. 32 [C:16] As a child I used to hear from the books of my forefathers that you, O Lord, always free those who are pleasing to you. 39 [C:23] Now help me, who am alone and have no one but you, O Lord, my God. “And now, come to help me, an orphan. 40 [C:24] Put in my mouth persuasive words in the presence of the lion, and turn his heart to hatred for our enemy, so that he and those who are in league with him may perish. 41 [C:25] Save us from the hand of our enemies; turn our mourning into gladness and our sorrows into wholeness.”

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 7-8

R: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; 2 I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name. (R) Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise. 3 When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me. (R) 7 Your right hand saves me. 8 The Lord will complete what he has done for me; your kindness, O Lord, endures forever; forsake not the work of Your hands. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

 

God knows what we need and will always make it available. This does not mean we will always get what we want, as what we want and what we need are two very different realities. We also have to consider that sometimes we are dependent on the obedience, generosity or good qualities of others, and if they do not respond well, we may be affected by their sin. Let us try to ensure that we will not be the cause of the difficulties of others.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

A clean heart create for me, God; give me back the joy of your salvation.

 

Matthew 7:7-12

7 Jesus said to his disciples: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, 10 or a snake when he asks for a fish? 11 If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. 12 Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”

think: God knows what we need and will always make it available.                                        

 

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 Colossians 1-4

Daily Bible Readings - February 20,2013

1^ST READING

 

Sometimes, if not many times, we are like Jonah, in that we are not as obedient as we should be and it takes us a few attempts to get things right. Does this justify disobedience? No, it does not. Just because God is forgiving and compassionate, it does not mean we should take advantage of Him. A true disciple will always do his best to be obedient the first time around and, thus, avoid all the problems that inevitably result from disobedience.

 

Jonah 3:1-10

1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you.” 3 So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh, according to the Lord’s bidding. Now Nineveh was an enormously large city; it took three days to go through it. 4 Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but a single day’s walk announcing, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed,” 5 when the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth. 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes. 7 Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh, by decree of the king and his nobles: “Neither man nor beast, neither cattle nor sheep, shall taste anything; they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water. 8 Man and beast shall be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God; every man shall turn from his evil way and from the violence he has in hand. 9 Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath, so that we shall not perish.” 10 When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out.

 

P S A L M

Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19

R: A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

1 [3] Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. 2 [4] Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. (R) 10 [12] A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. 11 [13] Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. (R) 16 [18] For you are not pleased with sacrifices; should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it. 17 [19] My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

 

Jonah’s sign is the sign of obedience — no matter how hard he tried, he could not escape being obedient in the end. This is a lesson to us all that it is simpler to be obedient from the start rather than try to blaze a new path with our own will, expecting to do better than following God’s way. Jonah’s sign is also the path of repentance, modeling for us the way to take when we have been disobedient. Let us seek to follow the first path more than the second one.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful.

 

Luke 11:29-32

29 While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. 30 Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. 32 At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

think: A true disciple will always do his best to be obedient the first time around.

 

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 Philippians 1-4

Daily Bible Readings - February 18,2013

1^ST READING

Holiness is not just for our spiritual lives. For holiness to be real, it has to affect and guide every aspect of our lives. This is why the Gospel always has a social dimension integral to it. We cannot seek holiness without including the way we address the social issues of our day. We cannot remain silent in the face of injustice. We must do more than simply speak out against injustice; we must work to end it.

Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18

1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the whole assembly of the children of Israel and tell them: ‘Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.’ 11 You shall not steal. You shall not lie or speak falsely to one another. 12 You shall not swear falsely by my name, thus profaning the name of your God. I am the Lord. 13 You shall not defraud or rob your neighbor. You shall not withhold overnight the wages of your day laborer. 14 You shall not curse the deaf, or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the Lord. 15 You shall not act dishonestly in rendering judgment. Show neither partiality to the weak nor deference to the mighty, but judge your fellow men justly. 16 You shall not go about spreading slander among your kin; nor shall you stand by idly when your neighbor’s life is at stake. I am the Lord. 17 You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart. Though you may have to reprove him, do not incur sin because of him. 18 Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

P S A L M

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15

R: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and Life.

7 [8] The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. (R) 8 [9] The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. (R) 9 [10] The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just. (R) 14 [15] Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus tells us quite explicitly that we have a duty to care for those who are poor, in prison and so on. We cannot turn a blind eye to them, even if they are guilty of injustice or anything else. We have a duty to love and do what we can to improve the lives of all men and women, by virtue of the fact of the universality of human dignity.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Matthew 25:31-46

31 Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, 32 and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 Then the king will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” 37 Then the righteous will answer him and say, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?” 40 And the king will say to them in reply, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” 41 Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.” 44 Then they will answer and say, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?” 45 He will answer them, “Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.” 46 And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

think: We have a duty to love and do what we can to improve the lives of all men and women.

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 Ephesians 1-3