1 Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

 2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:^[a]

   “Father, may your name be kept holy.
      May your Kingdom come soon.
    3 Give us each day the food we need,^[b]
    4 and forgive us our sins,
      as we forgive those who sin against us.
   And don’t let us yield to temptation.^[c]”

 5 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 6 ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ 7 And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ 8 But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.^[d]

 9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

 11 “You fathers—if your children ask^[e] for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? 12 Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! 13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

Aleph^[a]

 1 Joyful are people of integrity,
      who follow the instructions of the Lord.
 2 Joyful are those who obey his laws
      and search for him with all their hearts.
 3 They do not compromise with evil,
      and they walk only in his paths.
 4 You have charged us
      to keep your commandments carefully.
 5 Oh, that my actions would consistently
      reflect your decrees!
 6 Then I will not be ashamed
      when I compare my life with your commands.
 7 As I learn your righteous regulations,
      I will thank you by living as I should!
 8 I will obey your decrees.
      Please don’t give up on me!

Beth

 9 How can a young person stay pure?
      By obeying your word.
 10 I have tried hard to find you—
      don’t let me wander from your commands.
 11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
      that I might not sin against you.
 12 I praise you, O Lord;
      teach me your decrees.
 13 I have recited aloud
      all the regulations you have given us.
 14 I have rejoiced in your laws
      as much as in riches.
 15 I will study your commandments
      and reflect on your ways.
 16 I will delight in your decrees
      and not forget your word.

Gimel

 17 Be good to your servant,
      that I may live and obey your word.
 18 Open my eyes to see
      the wonderful truths in your instructions.
 19 I am only a foreigner in the land.
      Don’t hide your commands from me!
 20 I am always overwhelmed
      with a desire for your regulations.
 21 You rebuke the arrogant;
      those who wander from your commands are cursed.
 22 Don’t let them scorn and insult me,
      for I have obeyed your laws.
 23 Even princes sit and speak against me,
      but I will meditate on your decrees.
 24 Your laws please me;
      they give me wise advice.

Daleth

 25 I lie in the dust;
      revive me by your word.
 26 I told you my plans, and you answered.
      Now teach me your decrees.
 27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
      and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
 28 I weep with sorrow;
      encourage me by your word.
 29 Keep me from lying to myself;
      give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
 30 I have chosen to be faithful;
      I have determined to live by your regulations.
 31 I cling to your laws.
      Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
 32 I will pursue your commands,
      for you expand my understanding.

He

 33 Teach me your decrees, O Lord;
      I will keep them to the end.
 34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
      I will put them into practice with all my heart.
 35 Make me walk along the path of your commands,
      for that is where my happiness is found.
 36 Give me an eagerness for your laws
      rather than a love for money!
 37 Turn my eyes from worthless things,
      and give me life through your word.^[b]
 38 Reassure me of your promise,
      made to those who fear you.
 39 Help me abandon my shameful ways;
      for your regulations are good.
 40 I long to obey your commandments!
      Renew my life with your goodness.

Waw

 41 Lord, give me your unfailing love,
      the salvation that you promised me.
 42 Then I can answer those who taunt me,
      for I trust in your word.
 43 Do not snatch your word of truth from me,
      for your regulations are my only hope.
 44 I will keep on obeying your instructions
      forever and ever.
 45 I will walk in freedom,
      for I have devoted myself to your commandments.
 46 I will speak to kings about your laws,
      and I will not be ashamed.
 47 How I delight in your commands!
      How I love them!
 48 I honor and love your commands.
      I meditate on your decrees.

Zayin

 49 Remember your promise to me;
      it is my only hope.
 50 Your promise revives me;
      it comforts me in all my troubles.
 51 The proud hold me in utter contempt,
      but I do not turn away from your instructions.
 52 I meditate on your age-old regulations;
      O Lord, they comfort me.
 53 I become furious with the wicked,
      because they reject your instructions.
 54 Your decrees have been the theme of my songs
      wherever I have lived.
 55 I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord;
      therefore, I obey your instructions.
 56 This is how I spend my life:
      obeying your commandments.

Heth

 57 Lord, you are mine!
      I promise to obey your words!
 58 With all my heart I want your blessings.
      Be merciful as you promised.
 59 I pondered the direction of my life,
      and I turned to follow your laws.
 60 I will hurry, without delay,
      to obey your commands.
 61 Evil people try to drag me into sin,
      but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.
 62 I rise at midnight to thank you
      for your just regulations.
 63 I am a friend to anyone who fears you—
      anyone who obeys your commandments.
 64 O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth;
      teach me your decrees.

Teth

 65 You have done many good things for me, Lord,
      just as you promised.
 66 I believe in your commands;
      now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
 67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
      but now I closely follow your word.
 68 You are good and do only good;
      teach me your decrees.
 69 Arrogant people smear me with lies,
      but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.
 70 Their hearts are dull and stupid,
      but I delight in your instructions.
 71 My suffering was good for me,
      for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
 72 Your instructions are more valuable to me
      than millions in gold and silver.

Yodh

 73 You made me; you created me.
      Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
 74 May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
      for I have put my hope in your word.
 75 I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair;
      you disciplined me because I needed it.
 76 Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
      just as you promised me, your servant.
 77 Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
      for your instructions are my delight.
 78 Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;
      meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.
 79 Let me be united with all who fear you,
      with those who know your laws.
 80 May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
      then I will never be ashamed.

Kaph

 81 I am worn out waiting for your rescue,
      but I have put my hope in your word.
 82 My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
      When will you comfort me?
 83 I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,
      but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.
 84 How long must I wait?
      When will you punish those who persecute me?
 85 These arrogant people who hate your instructions
      have dug deep pits to trap me.
 86 All your commands are trustworthy.
      Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.
 87 They almost finished me off,
      but I refused to abandon your commandments.
 88 In your unfailing love, spare my life;
      then I can continue to obey your laws.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 119:1 This psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; there are twenty-two stanzas, one for each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within each stanza begins with the Hebrew letter named in its heading.
2. Psalm 119:37 Some manuscripts read in your ways.

Isaiah 55:1-13

Invitation to the Thirsty

    ¹ “Come, all you who are thirsty,
       come to the waters;
       and you who have no money,
       come, buy and eat!
       Come, buy wine and milk
       without money and without cost.

    ² Why spend money on what is not bread,
       and your labor on what does not satisfy?
       Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
       and you will delight in the richest of fare.

    ³ Give ear and come to me;
       listen, that you may live.
       I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
       my faithful love promised to David.

    ⁴ See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,
       a ruler and commander of the peoples.

    ⁵ Surely you will summon nations you know not,
       and nations you do not know will come running to you,
       because of the LORD your God,
       the Holy One of Israel,
       for he has endowed you with splendor.”

    ⁶ Seek the LORD while he may be found;
       call on him while he is near.

    ⁷ Let the wicked forsake their ways
       and the unrighteous their thoughts.
       Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them,
       and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

    ⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
       neither are your ways my ways,”
       declares the LORD.

    ⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
       so are my ways higher than your ways
       and my thoughts than your thoughts.

    ¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
       come down from heaven,
       and do not return to it
       without watering the earth
       and making it bud and flourish,
       so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

    ¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
       It will not return to me empty,
       but will accomplish what I desire
       and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

    ¹² You will go out in joy
       and be led forth in peace;
       the mountains and hills
       will burst into song before you,
       and all the trees of the field
       will clap their hands.

    ¹³ Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
       and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
       This will be for the LORD’s renown,
       for an everlasting sign,
       that will endure forever.”
]]> http://3womeningodsword.wordpress.com/2008/10/17/day-5-isaiah-551-13/feed/ 1 3womeningodsword http://3womeningodsword.wordpress.com/2008/10/17/day-4-james-11-25/ http://3womeningodsword.wordpress.com/2008/10/17/day-4-james-11-25/#comments Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:22:09 +0000 3womeningodsword http://3womeningodsword.wordpress.com/?p=20 ]]> James 1:1-25

    ¹ I, James, am writing this letter. I serve God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

   I am sending this letter to you, the 12 tribes that are scattered among the nations.

   Greetings.

Facing All Kinds of Trouble

    ² My brothers and sisters, you will face all kinds of trouble. When you do, think of it as pure joy. ³ Your faith will be put to the test. You know that when that happens it will produce in you the strength to continue. ⁴ The strength to keep going must be allowed to finish its work. Then you will be all you should be. You will have everything you need.

   ⁵ If any of you need wisdom, ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone. He doesn’t find fault.

   ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe. You must not doubt. People who doubt are like waves of the sea. The wind blows and tosses them around. ⁷ A man like that shouldn’t expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ He can’t make up his mind. He can never decide what to do.

   ⁹ A believer who finds himself in a low position in life should be proud that God has given him a high position. ¹⁰ But someone who is rich should take pride in his low position. That’s because he will fade away like a wild flower.

   ¹¹ The sun rises. Its burning heat dries up the plants. Their blossoms fall. Their beauty is destroyed. In the same way, a rich person will fade away even as he goes about his business.

   ¹² Blessed is the man who keeps on going when times are hard. After he has come through them, he will receive a crown. The crown is life itself. God has promised it to those who love him.

   ¹³ When you are tempted, you shouldn’t say, “God is tempting me.” God can’t be tempted by evil. And he doesn’t tempt anyone.

   ¹⁴ But your own evil longings tempt you. They lead you on and drag you away. ¹⁵ When they are allowed to grow, they give birth to sin. When sin has grown up, it gives birth to death.

   ¹⁶ My dear brothers and sisters, don’t let anyone fool you. ¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from God. It comes down from the Father. He created the heavenly lights. He does not change like shadows that move.

   ¹⁸ God chose to give us new birth through the message of truth. He wanted us to be the first and best of everything he created.

Listen to the Word and Do What It Says

    ¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, pay attention to what I say. Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry. ²⁰ A man’s anger doesn’t produce the kind of life God wants.

   ²¹ So get rid of everything that is dirty and sinful. Get rid of the evil that is all around us. Don’t be too proud to accept the word that is planted in you. It can save you.

   ²² Don’t just listen to the word. You fool yourselves if you do that. You must do what it says.

   ²³ Suppose you listen to the word but don’t do what it says. Then you are like a man who looks at his face in a mirror. ²⁴ After looking at himself, he leaves. Right away he forgets what he looks like.

   ²⁵ But suppose you take a good look at the perfect law that gives freedom. You keep looking at it. You don’t forget what you’ve heard, but you do what the law says. Then you will be blessed in what you do.

Further Benefits of Wisdom

 1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
       but keep my commands in your heart,

 2 for they will prolong your life many years
       and bring you prosperity.

 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
       bind them around your neck,
       write them on the tablet of your heart.

 4 Then you will win favor and a good name
       in the sight of God and man.

 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
       and lean not on your own understanding;

 6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
       and he will make your paths straight. ^[a]

 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
       fear the LORD and shun evil.

 8 This will bring health to your body
       and nourishment to your bones.

 9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
       with the firstfruits of all your crops;

 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
       and your vats will brim over with new wine.

 11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline
       and do not resent his rebuke,

 12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
       as a father ^[b] the son he delights in.

 13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
       the man who gains understanding,

 14 for she is more profitable than silver
       and yields better returns than gold.

 15 She is more precious than rubies;
       nothing you desire can compare with her.

 16 Long life is in her right hand;
       in her left hand are riches and honor.

 17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
       and all her paths are peace.

 18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
       those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

 19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
       by understanding he set the heavens in place;

 20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
       and the clouds let drop the dew.

 21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
       do not let them out of your sight;

 22 they will be life for you,
       an ornament to grace your neck.

 23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
       and your foot will not stumble;

 24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
       when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

 25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
       or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

 26 for the LORD will be your confidence
       and will keep your foot from being snared.

 27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
       when it is in your power to act.

 28 Do not say to your neighbor,
       “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”—
       when you now have it with you.

 29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
       who lives trustfully near you.

 30 Do not accuse a man for no reason—
       when he has done you no harm.

 31 Do not envy a violent man
       or choose any of his ways,

 32 for the LORD detests a perverse man
       but takes the upright into his confidence.

 33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
       but he blesses the home of the righteous.

 34 He mocks proud mockers
       but gives grace to the humble.

 35 The wise inherit honor,
       but fools he holds up to shame.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 3:6 Or will direct your paths
2. Proverbs 3:12 Hebrew; Septuagint / and he punishes