Put the daily readings site in the links section on the right hand side.

RomansChapter 9

30 10 What then shall we say? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have achieved it, that is, righteousness that comes from faith;
31 but that Israel, who pursued the law of righteousness, did not attain to that law?
32 Why not? Because they did it not by faith, but as if it could be done by works. They stumbled over the stone that causes stumbling, 11
33 as it is written: "Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion that will make people stumble and a rock that will make them fall, and whoever believes in him shall not be put to shame."

10 [30-33] In the conversion of the Gentiles and, by contrast, of relatively few Jews, the Old Testament prophecies are seen to be fulfilled; cf Romans 9:25-29. Israel feared that the doctrine of justification through faith would jeopardize the validity of the Mosaic law, and so they never reached their goal of righteousness that they had sought to attain through meticulous observance of the law (Romans 9:31). Since Gentiles, including especially Greeks and Romans, had a great regard for righteousness, Paul's statement concerning Gentiles in Romans 9:30 is to be understood from a Jewish perspective: quite evidently they had not been interested in "God's" righteousness, for it had not been revealed to them; but now in response to the proclamation of the gospel they respond in faith.
11 [32] Paul discusses Israel as a whole from the perspective of contemporary Jewish rejection of Jesus as Messiah. The Old Testament and much of Jewish noncanonical literature in fact reflect a fervent faith in divine mercy.

Reflection
I heard a comercial on the radio last time I was home about a man that wanted to get into heaven. He got points for being a good person, father, husband. He ran into a burning house and saved someone. He never cheated, etc, etc. The person he was talking to was adding up his points and he got like 2 points or each of the above. He ended the commercial with 8-9 points. He was told he needed 1,000 to get into heaven. I thought the commercial might be saying you need to do good acts over your whole lifetime. I thought the commercial might be saying that these things are what a person is suppose to do so you don't get as many points. The end of the commercial says that most people don't take the test because Jesus took it for them. "WHAT" I understand that Jesus died for all of us and that is why we believe what we believe, but I cannot understand this idea of "we don't have to do anything because we believe in Jesus." And I am not saying all people who don't believe what I believe are bad, that has never been my position. I just feel like there should be more to it.

Could it be the "stone" we stumbled over was the pride and greed that caused the split in the church way back when. It says it right there. There was a stone put in our way to make us stumble and with all the trouble that has come because of the split in the church, I would say we fell hard.

http://www.easterbrooks.com/personal/calendar/

Psalms 48-50

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-115

II Samuel 1-4

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-114

http://www.easterbrooks.com/personal/calendar/

Mom, Lucy, Brittany, and Michelle 

Me and Andy 

Ty, Mom, Nick, Brittany, Nathan, Lucy, Me, Michelle, and Dad 

Mom, Nick, Brittany, Lucy, Me, Nathan, and Dad 

Mom, Me, and Dad 

Dad, Me, Nathan, Nick, Ty 

Trying something new. I am not getting as much out of the daily readings, so I am trying to do the whole, pick a page out of the Bible at random and see what I think of it. We will see how this goes. I will put a link to the daily readings for those that want to continue with them and I will continue to put the "Read the Bible in a Year" link up for those that are keeping up with that. If this doesn't go all that well I will go back.

Judges
Chapter 3

7 2 Because the Israelites had offended the LORD by forgetting the LORD, their God, and serving the Baals and the Asherahs,
8 the anger of the LORD flared up against them, and he allowed them to fall into the power of Cushan-rishathaim, king of Aram Naharaim, whom they served for eight years.
9 But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a savior, Othniel, son of Caleb's younger brother Kenaz, who rescued them.
10 The spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel. When he went out to war, the LORD delivered Cushan-risha-thaim, king of Aram, into his power, so that he made him subject.
11 The land then was at rest for forty years, until Othniel, son of Kenaz, died.
12 Again the Israelites offended the LORD, who because of this offense strengthened Eglon, king of Moab, against Israel.
13 In alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites, he attacked and defeated Israel, taking possession of the city of palms.
14 The Israelites then served Eglon, king of Moab, for eighteen years.
15 But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a savior, the Benjaminite Ehud, son of Gera, who was left-handed. It was by him that the Israelites sent their tribute to Eglon, king of Moab.
16 Ehud made himself a two-edged dagger a foot long, and wore it under his clothes over his right thigh.
17 He presented the tribute to Eglon, king of Moab, who was very fat,
18 and after the presentation went off with the tribute bearers.
19 He returned, however, from where the idols are, near Gilgal, and said, "I have a private message for you, O king." And the king said, "Silence!" Then when all his attendants had left his presence,
20 and Ehud went in to him where he sat alone in his cool upper room, Ehud said, "I have a message from God for you." So the king rose from his chair,
21 and then Ehud with his left hand drew the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into Eglon's belly.
22 The hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade because he did not withdraw the dagger from his body.
23 Then Ehud went out into the hall, shutting the doors of the upper room on him and locking them.
24 When Ehud had left and the servants came, they saw that the doors of the upper room were locked, and thought, "He must be easing himself in the cool chamber."
25 They waited until they finally grew suspicious. Since he did not open the doors of the upper room, they took the key and opened them. There on the floor, dead, lay their lord!
26 During their delay Ehud made good his escape and, passing the idols, took refuge in Seirah.
27 On his arrival he sounded the horn in the mountain region of Ephraim, and the Israelites went down from the mountains with him as their leader.
28 "Follow me," he said to them, "for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your power." So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, permitting no one to cross.
29 On that occasion they slew about ten thousand Moabites, all of them strong and valiant men. Not a man escaped.
30 Thus was Moab brought under the power of Israel at that time; and the land had rest for eighty years.
31 After him there was Shamgar, son of Anath, who slew six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He, too, rescued Israel.

Footnotes
2 [7] Asherahs: elsewhere rendered "sacred poles." See note on Exodus 34:13 and on Deut 7:5. Here the word seems to mean "goddesses."

Reflection
From this small little tid bit, you can see why some people thought Jesus was suppose to be a military leader. When the people were in need, God would send a strong leader that would lead an uprising and save them. How were the Jews suppose to think any differently when this had been the plan in the past. It reminds me of the that song, "Strange Way to Save the World." The people around Jesus must of thought the same thing. If you want an interesting view on this area, you should rent "Last Temptation of Jesus." It has to deal with Jesus struggling between being a miliary leader and a "Ghandi" type leader. Very interesting to think what may have happened if He had decided the other way. Watched the new movie "Kingdom of Heaven" last week. It is about the Crusades and I thought it was pretty good. It deals with the idea of fighting for what you believe in with the use of force. There have been so many wars fought over this idea both before and after Jesus that it makes you wonder why He was not convinced that was His destiny too.
Anyway, we will see how the new system works. My hope is that this method may get more discussion going. I am now a law school graduate. It doesn't feel any different, well maybe a little since it is a Monday morning and I don't have anything to worry about. But, we will see how things change. I will put some graduation pictures up later if can.

MILK

http://www.easterbrooks.com/personal/calendar/

Exodus 13-16

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-113

II Corinthians 1-3

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-119

Mark 11-12

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-111

Jeremiah 17

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-110-21

Acts
Chapter 25

13 When a few days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice ¹ arrived in Caesarea on a visit to Festus.

14 Since they spent several days there, Festus referred Paul's case to the king, saying, "There is a man here left in custody by Felix.

15 When I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and demanded his condemnation.

16 I answered them that it was not Roman practice to hand over an accused person before he has faced his accusers and had the opportunity to defend himself against their charge.

17 So when (they) came together here, I made no delay; the next day I took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in.

18 His accusers stood around him, but did not charge him with any of the crimes I suspected.

19 Instead they had some issues with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus who had died but who Paul claimed was alive.

20 Since I was at a loss how to investigate this controversy, I asked if he were willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these charges.

21 And when Paul appealed that he be held in custody for the Emperor's decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar."

Psalms
Chapter 103

1 Of David. ¹ Bless the LORD, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name!

2 Bless the LORD, my soul; do not forget all the gifts of God,

11 As the heavens tower over the earth, so God's love towers over the faithful.

12 As far as the east is from the west, so far have our sins been removed from us.

19 The LORD'S throne is established in heaven; God's royal power rules over all.

20 Bless the LORD, all you angels, mighty in strength and attentive, obedient to every command.

John
Chapter 21

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."

16 He then said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."

17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." (Jesus) said to him, "Feed my sheep.

18 Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."

19 He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."

Job 31-32

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-109

Acts
Chapter 22

30 The next day, wishing to determine the truth about why he was being accused by the Jews, he freed him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to convene. Then he brought Paul down and made him stand before them.

Chapter 23

6 Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees, so he called out before the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees; (I) am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead."

7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the group became divided.

8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, while the Pharisees acknowledge all three.

9 A great uproar occurred, and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee party stood up and sharply argued, "We find nothing wrong with this man. Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?"

10 The dispute was so serious that the commander, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, ordered his troops to go down and rescue him from their midst and take him into the compound.

11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage. For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome."

Psalms
Chapter 16

1 A miktam of David. ² Keep me safe, O God; in you I take refuge

2 I say to the Lord, you are my Lord, you are my only good.

5 LORD, my allotted portion and my cup, you have made my destiny secure.

7 I bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my heart exhorts me.

8 I keep the LORD always before me; with the Lord at my right, I shall never be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure,

10 For you will not abandon me to Sheol, nor let your faithful servant see the pit.

11 You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.

John
Chapter 17

20 "I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,

21 so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.

22 And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one,

23 I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.

24 Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am ¹ they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

25 Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me.

26 I made known to them your name and I will make it known, ² that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them."

Psalms 45-47

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-108

Acts
Chapter 20

28 Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, ¹ in which you tend the church of God that he acquired with his own blood.

29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock.

30 And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them.

31 So be vigilant and remember that for three years, night and day, I unceasingly admonished each of you with tears.

32 And now I commend you to God and to that gracious word of his that can build you up and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.

33 I have never wanted anyone's silver or gold or clothing.

34 You know well that these very hands have served my needs and my companions.

35 In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

36 When he had finished speaking he knelt down and prayed with them all.

37 They were all weeping loudly as they threw their arms around Paul and kissed him,

38 for they were deeply distressed that he had said that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.

Psalms
Chapter 68

28 In the lead is Benjamin, few in number; there the princes of Judah, a large throng, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali, too.

29 Summon again, O God, your power, the divine power you once showed for us.

32 Exact rich tribute from lower Egypt, from upper Egypt, gold and silver; make Ethiopia extend its hands to God.

33 You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; chant the praises of the Lord, Selah

34 Who rides the heights of the ancient heavens, whose voice is thunder, mighty thunder.

35 Confess the power of God, whose majesty protects Israel, whose power is in the sky.

John
Chapter 17

11 And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are.

12 When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled.

13 But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely.

14 I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.

15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one.

16 They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.

17 Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.

18 As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.

19 And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.

I Samuel 26-31

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-107

Acts
Chapter 20

17 From Miletus he had the presbyters of the church at Ephesus summoned.

18 When they came to him, he addressed them, "You know how I lived among you the whole time from the day I first came to the province of Asia.

19 I served the Lord with all humility and with the tears and trials that came to me because of the plots of the Jews,

20 and I did not at all shrink from telling you what was for your benefit, or from teaching you in public or in your homes.

21 I earnestly bore witness for both Jews and Greeks to repentance before God and to faith in our Lord Jesus.

22 But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem. What will happen to me there I do not know,

23 except that in one city after another the holy Spirit has been warning me that imprisonment and hardships await me.

24 Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the gospel of God's grace.

25 "But now I know that none of you to whom I preached the kingdom during my travels will ever see my face again.

26 And so I solemnly declare to you this day that I am not responsible for the blood of any of you,

27 for I did not shrink from proclaiming to you the entire plan of God.

Psalms
Chapter 68

9 The earth quaked, the heavens shook, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.

10 You claimed a land as your own, O God;

19 You went up to its lofty height; you took captives, received slaves as tribute. No rebels can live in the presence of God.

20 Blessed be the Lord day by day, God, our salvation, who carries us. Selah

John
Chapter 17

1 When Jesus had said this, he raised his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you,

2 just as you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to all you gave him.

3 Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

4 I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.

5 Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.

6 "I revealed your name ⁵ to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.

7 Now they know that everything you gave me is from you,

8 because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me.

9 I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours,

10 and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them.

11 And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are.

Exodus 9-12

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-106

Acts
Chapter 19

1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country and came (down) to Ephesus where he found some disciples.

2 He said to them, "Did you receive the holy Spirit when you became believers?" They answered him, "We have never even heard that there is a holy Spirit."

3 He said, "How were you baptized?" They replied, "With the baptism of John."

4 Paul then said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus."

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6 And when Paul laid (his) hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

7 Altogether there were about twelve men.

8 He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly with persuasive arguments about the kingdom of God.

Psalms
Chapter 68

1 For the leader. A psalm of David; a song.

2 God will arise for battle; the enemy will be scattered; those who hate God will flee.

3 The wind will disperse them like smoke; as wax is melted by fire, so the wicked will perish before God.

4 Then the just will be glad; they will rejoice before God; they will celebrate with great joy.

5 Sing to God, praise the divine name; exalt the rider of the clouds. Rejoice before this God whose name is the LORD.

6 Father of the fatherless, defender of widows-- this is the God whose abode is holy,

John
Chapter 16

29 His disciples said, "Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.

30 Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God." ¹

31 Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now?

32 Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered ² to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

33 I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."

I Corinthians 15-16

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-112

Acts
Chapter 1

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away.

13 When they entered the city they went to the upper room where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

14 All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Psalms
Chapter 27

1 Of David ¹ The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear? The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?

4 One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the LORD'S house all the days of my life, To gaze on the LORD'S beauty, to visit his temple.

7 I Hear my voice, LORD, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me.

8 "Come," says my heart, "seek God's face"; your face, LORD, do I seek!

1 Peter
Chapter 4

13 But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.

14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

15 But let no one among you be made to suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as an intriguer.

16 But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name.

John
Chapter 17

1 When Jesus had said this, he raised his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you,

2 just as you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to all you gave him.

3 Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

4 I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.

5 Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.

6 "I revealed your name ⁵ to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.

7 Now they know that everything you gave me is from you,

8 because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me.

9 I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours,

10 and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them.

11 And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are.

Mark 9-10

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-104

Acts
Chapter 18

23 After staying there some time, he left and traveled in orderly sequence through the Galatian country and Phrygia, bringing strength to all the disciples.

24 A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent speaker, arrived in Ephesus. He was an authority on the scriptures. ²

25 He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John.

26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way (of God) ³ more accurately.

27 And when he wanted to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. After his arrival he gave great assistance to those who had come to believe through grace.

28 He vigorously refuted the Jews in public, establishing from the scriptures that the Messiah is Jesus.

Psalms
Chapter 47

1 For the leader. A psalm of the Korahites.

2 All you peoples, clap your hands; shout to God with joyful cries.

7 Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our king, sing praise.

8 God is king over all the earth; sing hymns of praise.

9 God rules over the nations; God sits upon his holy throne.

John
Chapter 16

23 On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.

24 Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

25 "I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but I will tell you clearly about the Father.

26 On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you.

27 For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God.

28 I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."

Jeremiah 12-16

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-103

Acts
Chapter 18

9 One night in a vision the Lord said to Paul, "Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent,

10 for I am with you. No one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city."

11 He settled there for a year and a half and taught the word of God among them.

12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, ¹ the Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him to the tribunal,

13 saying, "This man is inducing people to worship God contrary to the law." ²

14 When Paul was about to reply, Gallio spoke to the Jews, "If it were a matter of some crime or malicious fraud, I should with reason hear the complaint of you Jews;

15 but since it is a question of arguments over doctrine and titles and your own law, see to it yourselves. I do not wish to be a judge of such matters."

16 And he drove them away from the tribunal.

17 They all seized Sosthenes, the synagogue official, and beat him in full view of the tribunal. But none of this was of concern to Gallio.

18 Paul remained for quite some time, and after saying farewell to the brothers he sailed for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had his hair cut because he had taken a vow. ³

Psalms
Chapter 47

1 For the leader. A psalm of the Korahites.

2 All you peoples, clap your hands; shout to God with joyful cries.

3 For the LORD, the Most High, inspires awe, the great king overall the earth,

4 Who made people subject to us, brought nations under our feet,

5 Who chose a land for our heritage, the glory of Jacob, the beloved. Selah

6 God mounts the throne amid shouts of joy; the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.

John
Chapter 16

20 Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.

21 When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.

22 So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

23 On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.

Job 29-30

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-102

Acts
Chapter 1

1 In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught

2 until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.

3 He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days ² and speaking about the kingdom of God.

4 While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for "the promise of the Father ³ about which you have heard me speak;

5 for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy Spirit."

6 When they had gathered together they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going ⁴ to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

7 He answered them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority.

8 But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

9 When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.

10 While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.

11 They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven."

Psalms
Chapter 47

1 For the leader. A psalm of the Korahites.

2 All you peoples, clap your hands; shout to God with joyful cries.

5 Who chose a land for our heritage, the glory of Jacob, the beloved. Selah

6 God mounts the throne amid shouts of joy; the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.

7 Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our king, sing praise.

8 God is king over all the earth; sing hymns of praise.

Ephesians
Chapter 1

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.

18 May the eyes of (your) hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones,

19 and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might,

20 which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens,

21 far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.

22 And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,

23 which is his body, ¹ the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

Matthew
Chapter 28

16 The eleven ² disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.

17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.

18 Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

19 Go, therefore, ⁵ and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. ⁶ And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

Psalms 42-44

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-101

Acts
Chapter 17

21 Now all the Athenians as well as the foreigners residing there used their time for nothing else but telling or hearing something new.

22 Then Paul stood up at the Areopagus and said: ¹ "You Athenians, I see that in every respect you are very religious.

23 For as I walked around looking carefully at your shrines, I even discovered an altar inscribed, 'To an Unknown God.' ² What therefore you unknowingly worship, I proclaim to you.

24 The God who made the world and all that is in it, the Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in sanctuaries made by human hands,

25 nor is he served by human hands because he needs anything. Rather it is he who gives to everyone life and breath and everything.

26 He made from one ³ the whole human race to dwell on the entire surface of the earth, and he fixed the ordered seasons and the boundaries of their regions,

27 so that people might seek God, even perhaps grope for him and find him, though indeed he is not far from any one of us.

28 For 'In him we live and move and have our being,' ⁴ as even some of your poets have said, 'For we too are his offspring.'

29 Since therefore we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the divinity is like an image fashioned from gold, silver, or stone by human art and imagination.

30 God has overlooked the times of ignorance, but now he demands that all people everywhere repent

31 because he has established a day on which he will 'judge the world with justice' through a man he has appointed, and he has provided confirmation for all by raising him from the dead."

32 When they heard about resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, "We should like to hear you on this some other time."

33 And so Paul left them.

34 But some did join him, and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of

the Court of the Areopagus, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Chapter 18

1 After this he left Athens and went to Corinth.

Psalms
Chapter 148

1 Hallelujah! ¹ Praise the LORD from the heavens; give praise in the heights.

2 Praise him, all you angels; give praise, all you hosts.

11 You kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all who govern on earth;

12 Young men and women too, old and young alike.

13 Let them all praise the LORD'S name, for his name alone is exalted, majestic above earth and heaven.

14 The LORD has lifted high the horn of his people; to the glory of all the faithful, of Israel, the people near to their God. Hallelujah!

John
Chapter 16

12 "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.

13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.

14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you

This is certainly a good question. The first reading and the Gospel, it is true, are specifically chosen by the Church because of a connection between the two readings. The same is true of the Psalm, while the second reading (on days on which there is one) is chosen not because of a thematic connection but through a continuous reading of one of the Epistles or letters from the New Testament.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (2002) says of the Psalm: "After the first reading comes the responsorial Psalm, which is an integral part of the Liturgy of the Word and holds great liturgical and pastoral importance, because it fosters meditation on the word of the God" (no. 61). The responsorial Psalm is, then, just that: a response to the first reading.

The Instruction goes on to say, "The responsorial Psalm should correspond to each reading and should, as a rule, be taken from the Lectionary. It is preferable that the responsorial Psalm be sung, at least as far as the people's response is concerned. Hence, the psalmist, or the cantor of the Psalm, sings the verses of the Psalm from the ambo or another suitable place. The entire congregation remains seated and listens but, as a rule, takes part by singing the response, except when the Psalm is sung straight through without a response" (no. 61).

The responsorial Psalm, then, is not the opportunity for the congregation to see how skilled and talented a singer the cantor is. It is to be a heartfelt response by the people to the Word of God taken from the Word of God. It is a time for prayer and meditation upon the Word just proclaimed.

"In order, however, that the people may be able to sing the Psalm response more readily, texts of some responses and Psalms have been chosen for the various seasons of the year or for the various categories of saints. These may be used in place of the text corresponding to the reading whenever the Psalm is sung. If the Psalm cannot be sung, then it should be recited in such a way that it is particularly suited to fostering meditation on the word of God" (no. 61).

Accordingly, for the Universal Church, the Psalm may be chosen from one of the Psalms already selected for use in, say, the Easter season or on the Feasts of the Apostles. It should not, however, be replaced with another Psalm that is preferred over the one given in the Lectionary.

However, it should be noted that the Dioceses of the United States have received permission from the Holy See for the following to replace the responsorial Psalm of the day: "either the proper or seasonal antiphon and Psalm from the Lectionary, as found in the Roman Gradual or Simple Gradual or in another musical setting; or an antiphon and Psalm from another collection of the psalms and antiphons, including psalms arranged in metrical form, providing that they have been approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops or the diocesan Bishop" (no. 61).

This clause would seem to say that the Psalm of the day may be replaced with another Psalm for good pastoral reason. Such a reason would certainly include singing a Psalm more suitable to the saint of the day or the liturgical season and if the assembly did not know any musical settings for the given Psalm. However, when choosing another Psalm every effort should be taken to select another Psalm whose text corresponds to the Psalm being replaced. I would suggest it does not allow for the changing of a Psalm simply because the cantor prefers another. The Psalms, it should be remembered, are often marvelous places from which to draw a homily and much reflection.

I hope this helps, Matt!

Peace and Joy,

Daren

Well, I finished classes yesterday. Don't really feel any different. I still have a will to write, two exams, and one take home, so I guess I don't feel any different cause I am not finished. We will see if it is any different after graduation. Probable not, cause I am still going to be going to classes for the Bar. I am curious as to when I am going to feel like something other than a student.

I Samuel 21-25

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-100

1 Corinthians
Chapter 15

1 Now I am reminding you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand.

2 Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.

3 For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures;

4 that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures;

5 that he appeared to Kephas, then to the Twelve.

6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.

7 After that he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

8 Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me.

Psalms
Chapter 19

1 For the leader. A psalm of David.

2 The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky proclaims its builder's craft.

3 One day to the next conveys that message; one night to the next imparts that knowledge.

4 There is no word or sound; no voice is heard;

John
Chapter 14

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth ¹ and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

7 If you know me, then you will also know my Father. ² From now on you do know him and have seen him."

8 Philip said to him, "Master, show us the Father, ³ and that will be enough for us."

9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.

12 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.

13 And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.

Exodus 5-8

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-99

Acts
Chapter 16

11 We set sail from Troas, making a straight run for Samothrace, and on the next day to Neapolis,

12 and from there to Philippi, a leading city in that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We spent some time in that city.

13 On the sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river where we thought there would be a place of prayer. We sat and spoke with the women who had gathered there.

14 One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, ² listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying.

15 After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, "If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home," and she prevailed on us.

1 John
Chapter 5

1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the father loves (also) the one begotten by him.

2 In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments.

3 For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome,

4 for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.

5 Who (indeed) is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Psalms
Chapter 149

1 Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song, a hymn in the assembly of the faithful.

2 Let Israel be glad in their maker, the people of Zion rejoice in their king.

3 Let them praise his name in festive dance, make music with tambourine and lyre.

4 For the LORD takes delight in his people, honors the poor with victory.

5 Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, cry out for joy at their banquet,

6 With the praise of God in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hands,

9 To execute the judgments decreed for them-- such is the glory of all God's faithful. Hallelujah!

Matthew
Chapter 10

22 You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end ¹ will be saved.

23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. ²

24 No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master.

25 It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, ³ how much more those of his household!

John
Chapter 15

26 "When the Advocate comes whom I will send ¹ you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me.

27 And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

Chapter 16

1 "I have told you this so that you may not fall away.

2 They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour ² is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God.

3 They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me.

4 I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you. ³ "I did not tell you this from the beginning, because I was with you.

I Corinthians 13-14

http://www.bible-reading.com/cgi-bin/daily-reading.cgi/NASB-105

Acts
Chapter 8

5 Thus Philip went down to (the) city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them.

6 With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing.

7 For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured.

8 There was great joy in that city.

14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John,

15 who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit,

16 for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹

17 Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit.

Psalms
Chapter 66

1 For the leader. A song; a psalm.

2 Shout joyfully to God, all you on earth; sing of his glorious name; give him glorious praise.

3 Say to God: "How awesome your deeds! Before your great strength your enemies cringe.

4 All on earth fall in worship before you; they sing of you, sing of your name!" Selah

5 Come and see the works of God, awesome in the deeds done for us.

6 He changed the sea to dry land; through the river they passed on foot. Therefore let us rejoice in him,

7 who rules by might forever, Whose eyes are fixed upon the nations. Let no rebel rise to challenge! Selah

16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, while I recount what has been done for me.

20 Blessed be God, who did not refuse me the kindness I sought in prayer.

1 Peter
Chapter 3

15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,

16 but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame.

17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.

18 For Christ also suffered ¹ for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit.

John
Chapter 14

15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate ¹ to be with you always,

17 the Spirit of truth, ² which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.

18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. ³

19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live.

20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.

21 Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."