In honor of the New Year's holiday, Godsway 66 will resume on Sunday, January 4 with the sermon on 1 Chronicles and the week of readings on 2 Chronicles.
May this new year be a time of great opportunities and good health for you and yours.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Rest Stop Continues
The holiday break continues for Godsway 66, as we celebrate Christmas and New Year's. Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on 1 Chronicles on Sunday, January 4. Also, the overview for the next book, 2 Chronicles, will post that day.
In the meantime, enjoy this holiday. Feel free to catch up on past readings and sermons which you may have missed during the hustle and bustle of this time of year.
In the meantime, enjoy this holiday. Feel free to catch up on past readings and sermons which you may have missed during the hustle and bustle of this time of year.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Merry Christmas
Godsway 66 is now on Christmas holiday. May you enjoy a time of peace and love as we again celebrate the birth of Jesus, the promised Emanuel, "God with us."
Or in the timeless words of the King James Version, "And it came to pass in those days..."
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Bonus Reading, 1 Kings
The Materials for the Temple, and Those Who Built It
Today's reading describes the source of some key building materials for the Temple. In particular, the fabled cedars of Lebanon, along with the less well-known cypresses of Lebanon, were imported -- perhaps as part of a peaceful alliance between Solomon and the Hiram, the king of Syria. It also tells how the trees were forested, and the large Temple stones were cut, and all of it was transported, by slave labor. Indeed, ironically, the people who had once been slaves used the labor of more than 100,000 slaves to build the Temple.
Today's reading describes the source of some key building materials for the Temple. In particular, the fabled cedars of Lebanon, along with the less well-known cypresses of Lebanon, were imported -- perhaps as part of a peaceful alliance between Solomon and the Hiram, the king of Syria. It also tells how the trees were forested, and the large Temple stones were cut, and all of it was transported, by slave labor. Indeed, ironically, the people who had once been slaves used the labor of more than 100,000 slaves to build the Temple.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Monday, December 22, 2014
Bonus Reading, 2 Samuel
David's Love for Jonathan Extends to His Son
Today's reading tells how David, whose deep friendship with King Saul's son Jonathan is recorded at length, virtually adopted Jonathan's son after he became king. Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, had a physical handicap and could not walk. But David lavished attention on him -- allowing him to live with the riches of Saul (which David controlled) and granting him a seat at his dinner table, which was a sign of the king's personal favor and support. Undoubtedly, David did these things because of a debt he felt he owed to Mephibosheth's father, Jonathan, who had died in battle just before David became king.
Today's reading tells how David, whose deep friendship with King Saul's son Jonathan is recorded at length, virtually adopted Jonathan's son after he became king. Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, had a physical handicap and could not walk. But David lavished attention on him -- allowing him to live with the riches of Saul (which David controlled) and granting him a seat at his dinner table, which was a sign of the king's personal favor and support. Undoubtedly, David did these things because of a debt he felt he owed to Mephibosheth's father, Jonathan, who had died in battle just before David became king.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Sunday, December 21, 2014
A Rest Stop
For the next two weeks Godsway 66 will take a break during these weeks of Christmas and New Year's. The resources and readings for 2 Chronicles will be posted beginning Sunday, January 4.
These weeks offer an opportunity to catch a breath -- and maybe catch up on any past readings or sermons that you have missed. Before Christmas, we also offer a couple additional interesting readings from some previous books, including David's lasting debt to Jonathan, the son of King Saul; and details about the building materials used for the Temple.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
1 Chronicles, Day 6
A Day to Catch Up
If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of 1 Chronicles you might have missed. Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.
Share Your Thoughts
A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down. Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.
Get Ready for the Sermon
Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on 1 Chronicles Sunday, January 4 at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO. Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.
Share Your Thoughts
A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down. Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.
- If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
- Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
- Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.
Get Ready for the Sermon
Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on 1 Chronicles Sunday, January 4 at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO. Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.
Friday, December 19, 2014
1 Chronicles, Day 5 Readings
David's Dying Discourse Gives Further Instructions for Building the Temple
Today's reading describes David's final discourse before his death, in which he used his wisdom to describe the years ahead for the Israelites. (Similar final discourses/blessings are given by Jacob, Moses, and Joshua.) In it, David is focused completely on the Temple. First, he gave Solomon detailed plans for the Temple's construction, then he led the fundraising effort for the holy objects to be used inside the Temple, including lavish gifts from his personal fortune. Then, after a final prayer praising God, David died and power is transferred to Solomon.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Chronicles 23-29 today.
Today's reading describes David's final discourse before his death, in which he used his wisdom to describe the years ahead for the Israelites. (Similar final discourses/blessings are given by Jacob, Moses, and Joshua.) In it, David is focused completely on the Temple. First, he gave Solomon detailed plans for the Temple's construction, then he led the fundraising effort for the holy objects to be used inside the Temple, including lavish gifts from his personal fortune. Then, after a final prayer praising God, David died and power is transferred to Solomon.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its EntiretyIf you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Chronicles 23-29 today.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
1 Chronicles, Day 4 Readings
The Aftermath of David's Census Leads to a Location for the Temple
Today's first reading tells how David ordered a census of the kingdom to be taken (likely for tax purposes or to conscript people into the army). Such actions betray a lack of faith throughout the scriptures, and David swiftly incurred God's wrath. David retreats, dons sackcloth, and begged God's forgiveness. While doing this, David saw an angel of destruction sent by God; this angel instructed David to build an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan. This also will be chosen as the location for the Temple.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Chronicles 17-22 today.
Today's first reading tells how David ordered a census of the kingdom to be taken (likely for tax purposes or to conscript people into the army). Such actions betray a lack of faith throughout the scriptures, and David swiftly incurred God's wrath. David retreats, dons sackcloth, and begged God's forgiveness. While doing this, David saw an angel of destruction sent by God; this angel instructed David to build an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan. This also will be chosen as the location for the Temple.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
Today's second reading describes how David attempted to micromanage the construction of the Temple. While following God's command not to build the Temple, David drew up the plans and gave instructions for where and how the Temple would be constructed. First, David offered explicit instructions to Solomon, the son who would succeed him on the throne.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Chronicles 17-22 today.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
1 Chronicles, Day 3 Readings
David's Wants to Build a Home for the Ark of the Covenant
Today's reading tells how David intended to follow up the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem -- building a permanent home. Initially, the court prophet, Nathan, approves of David's decision, but immediately after receives the word of God that David is not to build any such house. Instead, God promises to give David a house -- that is, a dynasty: his descendants will be the kings of Israel. In response, David offers a prayer praising God for such a blessing. (Of course, David also makes detailed plans for his descendants to build such a home for the Ark -- a Temple.)
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Chronicles 11-16 today.
Today's reading tells how David intended to follow up the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem -- building a permanent home. Initially, the court prophet, Nathan, approves of David's decision, but immediately after receives the word of God that David is not to build any such house. Instead, God promises to give David a house -- that is, a dynasty: his descendants will be the kings of Israel. In response, David offers a prayer praising God for such a blessing. (Of course, David also makes detailed plans for his descendants to build such a home for the Ark -- a Temple.)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its EntiretyIf you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Chronicles 11-16 today.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Sermon - "The Decline and Fall of the House of David" (2 Kings)
Towards the later years, though, there were a couple of kings who attempted to right the ship by returning the people to the worship of the one true God. The most notable of these reformers was Josiah, who destroyed the idols and punished the priests of the false gods and who ordered that the Passover be celebrated for the first time in generations.
In some respects, it seems that Josiah's reform was a failed attempt because the southern kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Babylonians soon after Josiah's death. However, Josiah created the means for preserving Jewish faith for those in exile and for those who would return to build the Temple. He emphasized reading the holy scrolls (Torah) and the celebrating of key festivals, especially Passover - a central practice of Jewish faith for the last 2500 years.
This is a reminder that sometimes we do not see all of the fruits of our actions and our work. Some of the most important effects of the things we do may not be fully visible for decades or, as in the case of Josiah, even longer.
You can listen to the sermon here.
You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and the closing benediction.
1 Chronicles, Day 2 Readings
David Makes Jerusalem the Religious Center
Today's reading describes the key act that solidifed David's intention to make Jerusalem the center of faith. After building his palace, David erected a new tabernacle (tent of meeting) for God in Jerusalem and had the Levitical priests retrieve the Ark of the Covenant, accompany it, and install it in a new home -- to great fanfare.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Chronicles 6-10 today.
Today's reading describes the key act that solidifed David's intention to make Jerusalem the center of faith. After building his palace, David erected a new tabernacle (tent of meeting) for God in Jerusalem and had the Levitical priests retrieve the Ark of the Covenant, accompany it, and install it in a new home -- to great fanfare.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its EntiretyIf you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Chronicles 6-10 today.
Monday, December 15, 2014
1 Chronicles, Day 1 Readings
David Becomes King and Captures Jerusalem
Today's reading tells how David became king and immediately made moves to consolidate support from those who had been loyal to King Saul. After his anointing, David's first act is to capture Jerusalem and make it his capital city. Due to David's influence, Jerusalem will not only become the city of David, but the city of God of earth -- the eventual location of the Temple and the focal point of Jews thereafter.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Chronicles 1-5 today.
Today's reading tells how David became king and immediately made moves to consolidate support from those who had been loyal to King Saul. After his anointing, David's first act is to capture Jerusalem and make it his capital city. Due to David's influence, Jerusalem will not only become the city of David, but the city of God of earth -- the eventual location of the Temple and the focal point of Jews thereafter.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its EntiretyIf you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Chronicles 1-5 today.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
1 Chronicles, Overview
Godsway 66, Book 13 - 1 Chronicles
The saga of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings is consolidated and retold in 1 and 2 Chronicles. The first book focuses on David, who is clearly 'the man after God's own heart' here. While David can make mistakes -- and occasionally does -- most of David's decisions are right, especially those related to making Jerusalem the religious center of Israel.
1 Chronicles begins with an extensive genealogy of the Israelites, drawing lines from Adam to the main people in each tribe during David's lifetime. After the historical listing of ancestors in chapters 1-2, David's own house is identified in chapter 3, before the other tribes are listed -- including the Levitical order in chapter 9.
After this, the final battle of Saul is briefly described, clearing the way to focus on David. While David is many things (a Renaissance man, in many ways), here he is mostly a man of faith who supported the proper worship of God by doing all of the preparation work for the Temple, the building of which will be overseen by David's son, Solomon. Other events in David's life are less important than the ones which, in hindsight, are vitally important to building the Temple. In fact, 1 Chronicles zeroes in so tightly on this theme that David seems to micromanage the building of the Temple, doing everything -- the planning, fundraising, hiring, gathering of offerings, etc. -- except for actually constructing it.
After the Israelites arrive in the Promised Land, David is the most important person in their history and the Temple is the most important place. 1 Chronicles indelibly links the two together.
1 Chronicles begins with an extensive genealogy of the Israelites, drawing lines from Adam to the main people in each tribe during David's lifetime. After the historical listing of ancestors in chapters 1-2, David's own house is identified in chapter 3, before the other tribes are listed -- including the Levitical order in chapter 9.
After this, the final battle of Saul is briefly described, clearing the way to focus on David. While David is many things (a Renaissance man, in many ways), here he is mostly a man of faith who supported the proper worship of God by doing all of the preparation work for the Temple, the building of which will be overseen by David's son, Solomon. Other events in David's life are less important than the ones which, in hindsight, are vitally important to building the Temple. In fact, 1 Chronicles zeroes in so tightly on this theme that David seems to micromanage the building of the Temple, doing everything -- the planning, fundraising, hiring, gathering of offerings, etc. -- except for actually constructing it.
After the Israelites arrive in the Promised Land, David is the most important person in their history and the Temple is the most important place. 1 Chronicles indelibly links the two together.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
2 Kings, Day 6
A Day to Catch Up
If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of 2 Kings you might have missed. Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.
Share Your Thoughts
A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down. Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.
Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon
Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on 2 Kings tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO. Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.
If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of 2 Kings you might have missed. Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.Share Your Thoughts
A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down. Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.
- If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
- Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
- Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.
Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon
Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on 2 Kings tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO. Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.
Friday, December 12, 2014
2 Kings, Day 5 Readings
The Passover Celebrated Again and the Fall of Judah
Today's first reading provides a description of some of the practices Josiah reintroduced to worship in Judah. Perhaps most importantly, he decrees the first celebration of Passover in generations.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Kings 21-25 today.
Today's first reading provides a description of some of the practices Josiah reintroduced to worship in Judah. Perhaps most importantly, he decrees the first celebration of Passover in generations.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection describes the final days of the southern kingdom as they are invaded by the Babylonians. Eventually, the capital city of Jerusalem is captured and the Temple is ransacked. In a final embarrassment, all but the poorest people who remain are exiled into captivity in Babylon.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Kings 21-25 today.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
2 Kings, Day 4 Readings
The Reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah
Today's first reading describes the attempts at religious reform by Hezekiah, one of the kings of Judah after the fall of Israel. Despite these reforms, Judah also faces invasion from Assyria, and only prevents defeat by becoming a vassal state of the Assyrian empire, led by the emperor Sennacherib.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Kings 16-20 today.
Today's first reading describes the attempts at religious reform by Hezekiah, one of the kings of Judah after the fall of Israel. Despite these reforms, Judah also faces invasion from Assyria, and only prevents defeat by becoming a vassal state of the Assyrian empire, led by the emperor Sennacherib.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection describes the reign of Josiah, perhaps the greatest of the kings after David and Solomon. After one of king's advisers brings a book of the law discovered by the high priest in the Temple (sometimes believed to be Deuteronomy), Josiah reads it and immediately sets out to reform the entire kingdom. While these actions greatly please God, they ultimately will not be enough to prevent the eventual defeat of Judah -- though it will not be during Josiah's lifetime.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Kings 16-20 today.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
2 Kings, Day 3 Readings
Israel Captures Jerusalem, and Israel Defeated by Assyria
Today's first reading offers the most dramatic account of the hostility between the northern and southern Jewish kingdoms. The armies of Israel, the northern kingdom, invade Judah and even capture Jerusalem and ransack the city.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Kings 11-15 today.
Today's first reading offers the most dramatic account of the hostility between the northern and southern Jewish kingdoms. The armies of Israel, the northern kingdom, invade Judah and even capture Jerusalem and ransack the city.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection tells the ultimate defeat of the northern kingdom, which fell to an invasion by the powerful Assyrian empire. This defeat and exile is described as the ultimate punishment for generations of faithlessness in the northern kingdom.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Kings 11-15 today.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Sermon - "A Tale of Two Kingdoms" (1 Kings)
On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about the history of Israel after the death of King David. David's first successor, his son Solomon, was a hugely successful king who continued his father's legacy and constructed his father's dream project -- the Temple in Jerusalem. At its dedication, Solomon asked God that it might be a focal point for faith, even though no house could contain God, especially when the people lost their way and needed to return to God.After Solomon's death, however, faith takes a back seat to blunt politics as the kingdom is divided into two -- the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Israel tries to build a new religious center at Shechem, but it is not as lasting as the Temple in Jerusalem, Judah's capital. Then again, religious faith seems to be a decreasing priority, and the people seem to be attracted to worshiping foreign gods, especially Baal.
When the kings can no longer be trusted to offer good moral leadership, God calls powerful prophets to get the people's attention and urge them to return to faith in God. The most famous of these in 1 Kings is Elijah, who famously battled the prophets of Baal during the reign of the despicable monarchs Ahab and Jezebel.
The Temple, for its limitations, offered an identifiable place for people to forcus on and return to God -- something the people of the northern kingdom of Israel lacked because their unity was strongly based on a shared frustration with the influence given to the tribe of Judah in Jerusalem. Eventually, this would allow the people of Judah to survive even their conquest by Babylon, while the people of the northern kingdom would be conquered, scattered, and lost to history.
You can listen to the sermon here.
You can also listen to the related Communion meditation.
2 Kings, Day 2 Readings
Arameans Defeated and King Jehu's Fight Against Baal
Today's first reading tells how God defeated the Arameans who were threatening Israel. Under the word of the prophet Elisha, God induced a panic among the Arameans who merely heard the sounds of an approaching army and fled without seeing a single soldier. It is a practical example of God's might and of the prophet's influence being greater than even the unfaithful king.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Kings 6-10 today.
Today's first reading tells how God defeated the Arameans who were threatening Israel. Under the word of the prophet Elisha, God induced a panic among the Arameans who merely heard the sounds of an approaching army and fled without seeing a single soldier. It is a practical example of God's might and of the prophet's influence being greater than even the unfaithful king.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection describes the attempt of King Jehu to eradicate the worship of Baal from Israel. The successor to King Ahab oversaw the slaughter of all the sons of Ahab -- raised to worship Baal by their parents -- and then all of the worshipers of Baal in the kingdom. This violent effort stemmed the tide of worshiping a foreign God, but it did not stop unfaithful practices in the northern kingdom of Israel.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Kings 6-10 today.
Monday, December 8, 2014
2 Kings, Day 1 Readings
Elijah Ascends to Heaven and Elisha Raises Dead Boy
Today's first reading tells of the final days of the great prophet Elijah. Having mentored his successor Elisha, Elijah is taken into heaven riding a chariot of fire. Elisha, who witnessed this event, picks up Elijah's mantle and assumes his role as God's prophet during very troubled times.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Kings 1-5 today.
Today's first reading tells of the final days of the great prophet Elijah. Having mentored his successor Elisha, Elijah is taken into heaven riding a chariot of fire. Elisha, who witnessed this event, picks up Elijah's mantle and assumes his role as God's prophet during very troubled times.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection describes one of the great miracles ascribed to Elisha. The prophet rewards a hostess with the promise of a son, despite her husband's old age. However, the boy dies from mysterious causes, causing his mother to send for Elisha and ask why God would have given a son only to have him die so soon. The prophet comes again to the house and, through prayer, brought the boy back to life.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Kings 1-5 today.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
2 Kings, Overview
Godsway 66, Book 12 - 2 Kings
After the division of Israel into two kingdoms -- Israel, the northern kingdom, and Judah, the southern kingdom -- both kingdoms enter a period of decline attributed to their increasing lack of faithless. Both kingdoms endure the leadership of a series of lackluster kings, ceding moral authority to prophets, notably Elijah and Elisha.
Eventually, Israel falls under the sway of the Assyrian empire, first as a vassal state before its ultimate capture and destruction. The southern kingdom of Judah manages to endure independently for another 150 years (partially because the Egyptians supported it as a buffer country).
During this time, there were two major religious reform movements in Judah, first by King Hezekiah and then more completely by King Josiah. Josiah's reform was more dramatic, including the first celebration of Passover in centuries.
After Josiah's death, though, the southern kingdom quickly declined and was defeated by the Babylonians, who captured Jerusalem, looted the Temple, and exiled most of the citizens to Babylon.
After the division of Israel into two kingdoms -- Israel, the northern kingdom, and Judah, the southern kingdom -- both kingdoms enter a period of decline attributed to their increasing lack of faithless. Both kingdoms endure the leadership of a series of lackluster kings, ceding moral authority to prophets, notably Elijah and Elisha.Eventually, Israel falls under the sway of the Assyrian empire, first as a vassal state before its ultimate capture and destruction. The southern kingdom of Judah manages to endure independently for another 150 years (partially because the Egyptians supported it as a buffer country).
During this time, there were two major religious reform movements in Judah, first by King Hezekiah and then more completely by King Josiah. Josiah's reform was more dramatic, including the first celebration of Passover in centuries.
After Josiah's death, though, the southern kingdom quickly declined and was defeated by the Babylonians, who captured Jerusalem, looted the Temple, and exiled most of the citizens to Babylon.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
1 Kings, Day 6
A Day to Catch Up
If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of 1 Kings you might have missed. Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.
Share Your Thoughts
A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down. Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.
Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon
Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on 1 Kings tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO. Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.
Share Your Thoughts
A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down. Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.
- If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
- Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
- Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.
Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon
Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on 1 Kings tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO. Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.
Friday, December 5, 2014
1 Kings, Day 5 Readings
Elijah Flees Jezebel and Ahab Seizes Naboth's Vineyard
Today's first reading describes the aftermath of Elijah's embarrassment of the prophets of Baal. Jezebel threatens Elijah's life, and he flees in despair; he even asks God to let him die. Instead, God restores Elijah's health and courage and even allows Elijah to witness his presence, which is memorably described as a stillness or a silence.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Kings 19-22 today.
Today's first reading describes the aftermath of Elijah's embarrassment of the prophets of Baal. Jezebel threatens Elijah's life, and he flees in despair; he even asks God to let him die. Instead, God restores Elijah's health and courage and even allows Elijah to witness his presence, which is memorably described as a stillness or a silence.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection tells how Ahab tried to buy a neighboring vineyard belonging to Naboth. When Naboth refuses to sell the land long owned by his family, Ahab complains to Jezebel, who orchestrates Naboth's murder. After Ahab takes possession of the vineyard, Elijah returns and declares God's judgment of Ahab, promising the imminent defeat of the kingdom of Israel.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Kings 19-22 today.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
1 Kings, Day 4 Readings
Ahab, Elijah, and the Prophets of Baal
Today's first reading describes the rise of the most evil king in Jewish history (a dubious distinction, indeed), Ahab. Even more despised is Ahab's wife, Jezebel, who popularizes the worship of Baal in Israel.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Kings 14-18 today.
Today's first reading describes the rise of the most evil king in Jewish history (a dubious distinction, indeed), Ahab. Even more despised is Ahab's wife, Jezebel, who popularizes the worship of Baal in Israel.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection tells how the prophet Elijah stands up to King Ahab and advocates the worship of the true God. Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest, calling down fire from their God to light a sacrifice. After the prophets of Baal fail, Elijah has people water his sacrifice before praying to God, who sends fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Kings 14-18 today.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
1 Kings, Day 3 Readings
The Queen of Sheba Visits and the Kingdom Splits in Two
Today's first reading describes how the queen of Sheba visited Solomon, having heard of his great wisdom. Solomon received her with a personal tour of his home and evidently invited her to even accompany him to the Temple.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Kings 9-13 today.
Today's first reading describes how the queen of Sheba visited Solomon, having heard of his great wisdom. Solomon received her with a personal tour of his home and evidently invited her to even accompany him to the Temple.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection tells how the single kingdom of David and Solomon splits in two. The northern tribes -- a majority of the Israelites -- formed the kingdom of Israel under Rehoboam. Judah and Benjamin together became the kingdom of Judah, with the capital city of Jerusalem. Sadly, the northern kingdom almost immediately begins to worship God in questionable ways.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Kings 9-13 today.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Sermon - "Bless This House" (2 Samuel)
On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about the legacy of King David. 2 Samuel is a history of David's reign from consolidating power to his dying days as king of Israel. In some ways, it is a double-edged legacy. David was a great and powerful king, with many important dreams that still shape Jewish history 2500 years later. However, he was an imperfect leader, and these mistakes sowed the internal unrest that would eventually unravel the kingdom.In some ways, the key image in 2 Samuel is the dual metaphor of "house." After capturing Jerusalem and building his palace there, David dreams of building a house for God -- the Temple. God, defers this dream, but offers David a blessing, that his descendants will always rule over Israel -- the House of David.
David's son Solomon would build the Temple, which became the focal point of faith and the practice of Judaism. However, David's descendants would also inherit some of his lesser qualities -- usually without his great leadership gifts -- and would ultimately destroy the kingdom from within.
Of course, these dueling legacies are usually a part of our lives too -- our magnificent dreams usually come into conflict with the hard realities. Frequently this becomes obvious during the holidays, when our dreams of family perfection often clash with reality.
You can listen to the sermon here.
You can also listen to the related Communion meditation and closing benediction.
1 Kings, Day 2 Readings
Solomon's Prayer at the Dedication of the Temple
Today's reading describes the dedication of the Temple, including King Solomon's extensive prayer for God's house. The prayer is noteworthy in how it recognizes that no physical place can contain God's presence and yet asks God that all prayers directed toward it be considered as directed toward God.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Kings 5-8 today.
Today's reading describes the dedication of the Temple, including King Solomon's extensive prayer for God's house. The prayer is noteworthy in how it recognizes that no physical place can contain God's presence and yet asks God that all prayers directed toward it be considered as directed toward God.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its EntiretyIf you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Kings 5-8 today.
Monday, December 1, 2014
1 Kings, Day 1 Readings
Solomon's Wisdom and the Building of the Temple
Today's first reading tells Solomon's greatest trait as king -- his wisdom. Soon after becoming king, Solomon prays to God and asks for wisdom and discernment in governing, rather than long life or wealth. This pleases God, who grants great wisdom to Solomon. Nowhere is Solomon's great wisdom displayed than when he hears the case of two women who both claim to the mother of the same child and decides which one is the mother.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Kings 1-4 today.
Today's first reading tells Solomon's greatest trait as king -- his wisdom. Soon after becoming king, Solomon prays to God and asks for wisdom and discernment in governing, rather than long life or wealth. This pleases God, who grants great wisdom to Solomon. Nowhere is Solomon's great wisdom displayed than when he hears the case of two women who both claim to the mother of the same child and decides which one is the mother.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
The second selection tells the seven year construction of the Temple, God's holy place in the middle of Jerusalem. It also describes some of the elaborate furnishings made for the Temple.
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Kings 1-4 today.
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