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Daily Readings/Devotionals:
A Sip of Scripture
Daily Scripture:
Send
O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.
Reference: Psalm 43:3
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See more books at the Bible Gateway storePsalm 43:3 (New King James Version)
3 Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
Let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your tabernacle.
**************************************************************
Related Blog
A Simple Desire
The weblog "a simple desire" provides brief commentaries on "A Sip of Scripture" from a Mennonite perspective, The commentaries are written by Carole Boshart, of Oregon; Will Fitzgerald, of Michigan; and others on occasion.
a simple desireShort commentary on “A Sip of Scripture” from Third Way Cafe
Psalm 43:3 – The “Music” of Mission
with one comment
“O send out your light”
Light of the world, You step down into darkness.
Opened my eyes let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore you hope of a life spent with you.
[Chorus]
And here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that you’re my God,
You’re altogether lovely,
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me.
[“Here I am to worship” by Plus One]
“and your truth;”
“But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says “do not be afraid!”
and the Voice of truth says “this is for My glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth”
[“Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns]
“let them lead me;”
“Savior, like a shepherd lead us
Much we need Your tender care
In Your pleasant pastures feed us
For our sins, Your folds prepare
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus
You have bought us, Yours we are
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus
You have bought us, Yours we are.”
[“Savior like a shepherd lead us” Text anonymous, first in Hymns for the Young 1836: Words by William B. Bradbury 1859. Youtube version by Todd Agnew 2009]
We most often think of mission as done through words. But as I thought on this passage from Psalms, I realized that mission can be, and often is, done through music. I have listed the music resources that came to mind. I would have inserted the websites and urls for the songs, but too often these sites come with accompanying advertisements, and I did not want to chance you, missional reader, being presented with unwanted “stuff.” I encourage you to search not only for the resources I found, but other music that this verse brings to mind.
As the last part of this verse says, “let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.” May you be brought to God’s holy hill to worship and praise God, and may you bring others also as part of God’s mission in the world. Selah!
Written by Carole
January 28, 2011 at 12:02 am
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related Website
Soul Space
You are invited to take some time each day for "Soul Space," written by Wendy Miller and posted on the Eastern Mennonite University website. Each day's guidance centers around a theme for reflection and prayer drawn from the lectionary readings for the week.
Morning-Week Three
Opening the day with prayer.
Wake me up, dear God,
Help me.
Open the eyes of my soul;
Help me to see.
Open the ears of my heart;
Help me to hear.
I am slow in leaving the world of sleep.
Wake me up, dear God.
Be assured that God hears us, helps us.
These morning prayers are a signal of our desire,
our intent for the day to come.
They need not be long. We need not linger.
There will be another, more spacious time in which
to sink more deeply into prayer, reading and
reflection; to listening and responding.
Sheltering God, Abba Amma, you have brought us in safety
to this new day.
Keep us under the wings of your protection, that we may not lose sight
of your ways, nor what you are about this day.
Keep us steady in trust, hope, and love in the face of adversity.
And in all we do, direct us in the ways of your gracious and life-giving
purpose;
In the name of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. Amen.
Coming
Loving God,
Bringing light—epiphany–
Awaken my soul.
Open my eyes to see,
Help me to hear
Jesus among and within us.
Amen
Silence
Be still.
Open your awareness to God’s presence
Within and all around.
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Being With- Epiphany Week Four
This turning to follow Jesus takes us – from time to time – into retreat; into a place apart to be with Jesus, to listen. We listen to many voices in our world, voices which sound in the world around us, and voices which sound within us. Now we are invited to listen to Jesus.
Jesus withdraws away from the crowd, and walks up “the mountain” – a familiar place of retreat and solitude for him and those he invites to join him (see Matthew 5:1 and Mark 3:13) and the disciples come to sit with him. As Jesus sits, he indicates that he has something to teach them. As we enter the gospel narrative, we are also invited to sit alongside the disciples and to listen as Jesus addresses them – and us.
He begins teaching us about happiness, the happiness of this “kingdom come near”, the gracious Way of God. What he says is in direct contrast with what the world tells us about finding happiness. To begin with we may find what Jesus says rather impossible: wise, maybe, but not reachable in some way. But Jesus is not looking for instant results. He knows that as this kind of teaching, this light that he brings into our darkness and deep longings, works and brings transformation over time—even for these early disciples this was so. And so it is for us.
This is the New Order of Happiness – the great joy we discover and experience here in the midst of this present world order – this side of Eden. For in this present world we do know what is like
to be poor in spirit – to be vulnerable, disabled.
to mourn – to grieve many losses
to experience the power of meekness and gentleness in surprising ways
to long for everything to be put right, to thirst for peace and justice for all
to experience mercy, forgiveness in the most surprising places
to be blessed by those who work for true peace: within and without
to hear the stories of those who have suffered persecution, hate,
retaliation, because of their love for Jesus, for the Way of God.
Sometimes those stories are our own.
What we are surprised by is how Jesus opens up the door of heaven and ushers hilarity and great happiness into these empty, dark places of weakness and disability, loss and grief, meekness and gentleness, deep and painful longing for peace and justice, the grueling work for peace within and among us, and even into the places of suffering, rejection, hate, retaliation because of love for Jesus.
We may wonder where the link is. How could this happen? Even our question is a prayer which Jesus hears. We learn to follow Jesus, to speak our questions, to live with the questions and the unknown – until Jesus guides us, helps us live into the answers. For this light he sheds upon the deep shadows of the world system, also brings light to the inner rooms and corners of our soul and understanding.
This is the work of the Spirit of God within and among us.
The invitation is to keep listening – as we sit with Jesus, and as the Spirit of God indwells and sits with us.
Prayer before reading:
Lord Jesus Christ,
You come to us.
Help me to see as you see,
To recognize your presence,
And your call
To follow you.
Guide me, us as I learn to walk in your way.
Read slowly. Listen deeply. Indwell the scripture.
Scripture Guide:
Season of Epiphany: Week Four
» 1/24 Monday: Matthew 5:1-12
» 1/25 Tuesday: Matthew 5:1-12
» 1/26 Wednesday: Psalm 15
» 1/27 Thursday: Micah 6:1-8
» 1/28 Friday: I Corinthians 1:18-31
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (King James Version)
18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Responding
The third movement within Soul Space is Responding. Here we shift our focus towards outward engagement.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Pray for the coming day. Pray for persons, families, who need the healing and compassionate care of Jesus, especially for ___________________________ .
Dear God and Father, You who mother us with your mercy, and gentle us into peace with your consolation, console us in all our suffering and affliction So that we may be able to console those who suffer with the comfort and care we receive from you.
By your kind Spirit, be present with those who suffer and are crushed. Breathe your comfort and consolation upon the dry ground of their despair. Through your grace and saving love, surround them with your protection, give them healing and restoration.
In the name of Jesus, our Healer and Burden Bearer. Amen.
*Based on 2 Cor.1:3-5
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Emmanuel,
God with us,
May your kingdom come
And your gracious will be done,
In the earth of our lives in this world
As it is in heaven.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Amen.
Evening- Week Three
It is a good thing . . .
To tell of your loving-kindness early in the morning
And of your faithfulness in the night season.
Kind Spirit of God,
As I come to the end of this day,
Help me to see this day as you see,
To hear voice of Jesus in what I see and hear.
Read the psalm for this week’s lectionary readings.
Silence
Reflection
As I reflect back on this day . . .
For what am I thankful?
In what way have I cooperated with God in bringing justice to the oppressed
freedom to persons who are captive
sight to those who cannot see
relief and support to those who are bowed down
support and comfort to the orphan and widow . . .?
Where have I been aware of your help and faithful companioning?
What do I bring for your holding and tending?
Closing Prayer
Caring and loving God, I bring all of this day—all the pieces that fit, and all the parts that are unfinished and in need of tending, in my own life and in the lives of those I have touched this day. As we sleep this night, continue to work your way of justice for those who are oppressed, and freedom for those who are captive. Bring sight to those who cannot see, and relief and comfort to the poor and needy.
In the name of Jesus, who was born in nakedness and poverty among us, and who brings us the good news of your gracious reign, now and coming.
Amen
Daily Readings/Devotionals:
A Sip of Scripture
Daily Scripture:
Send
O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.
Reference: Psalm 43:3
Editor's Picks
NKJV Economy Bible Softcover
$2.99$2.49
You Save $0.5 (17%)
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
$49.99$34.99
You Save $15 (30%)
Encouraging One Another, Women of Faith Bible Studies
$9.99$6.99
You Save $3 (30%)
See more books at the Bible Gateway storePsalm 43:3 (New King James Version)
3 Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
Let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill
And to Your tabernacle.
**************************************************************
Related Blog
A Simple Desire
The weblog "a simple desire" provides brief commentaries on "A Sip of Scripture" from a Mennonite perspective, The commentaries are written by Carole Boshart, of Oregon; Will Fitzgerald, of Michigan; and others on occasion.
a simple desireShort commentary on “A Sip of Scripture” from Third Way Cafe
Psalm 43:3 – The “Music” of Mission
with one comment
“O send out your light”
Light of the world, You step down into darkness.
Opened my eyes let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore you hope of a life spent with you.
[Chorus]
And here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that you’re my God,
You’re altogether lovely,
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me.
[“Here I am to worship” by Plus One]
“and your truth;”
“But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says “do not be afraid!”
and the Voice of truth says “this is for My glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth”
[“Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns]
“let them lead me;”
“Savior, like a shepherd lead us
Much we need Your tender care
In Your pleasant pastures feed us
For our sins, Your folds prepare
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus
You have bought us, Yours we are
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus
You have bought us, Yours we are.”
[“Savior like a shepherd lead us” Text anonymous, first in Hymns for the Young 1836: Words by William B. Bradbury 1859. Youtube version by Todd Agnew 2009]
We most often think of mission as done through words. But as I thought on this passage from Psalms, I realized that mission can be, and often is, done through music. I have listed the music resources that came to mind. I would have inserted the websites and urls for the songs, but too often these sites come with accompanying advertisements, and I did not want to chance you, missional reader, being presented with unwanted “stuff.” I encourage you to search not only for the resources I found, but other music that this verse brings to mind.
As the last part of this verse says, “let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.” May you be brought to God’s holy hill to worship and praise God, and may you bring others also as part of God’s mission in the world. Selah!
Written by Carole
January 28, 2011 at 12:02 am
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related Website
Soul Space
You are invited to take some time each day for "Soul Space," written by Wendy Miller and posted on the Eastern Mennonite University website. Each day's guidance centers around a theme for reflection and prayer drawn from the lectionary readings for the week.
Morning-Week Three
Opening the day with prayer.
Wake me up, dear God,
Help me.
Open the eyes of my soul;
Help me to see.
Open the ears of my heart;
Help me to hear.
I am slow in leaving the world of sleep.
Wake me up, dear God.
Be assured that God hears us, helps us.
These morning prayers are a signal of our desire,
our intent for the day to come.
They need not be long. We need not linger.
There will be another, more spacious time in which
to sink more deeply into prayer, reading and
reflection; to listening and responding.
Sheltering God, Abba Amma, you have brought us in safety
to this new day.
Keep us under the wings of your protection, that we may not lose sight
of your ways, nor what you are about this day.
Keep us steady in trust, hope, and love in the face of adversity.
And in all we do, direct us in the ways of your gracious and life-giving
purpose;
In the name of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. Amen.
Coming
Loving God,
Bringing light—epiphany–
Awaken my soul.
Open my eyes to see,
Help me to hear
Jesus among and within us.
Amen
Silence
Be still.
Open your awareness to God’s presence
Within and all around.
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Being With- Epiphany Week Four
This turning to follow Jesus takes us – from time to time – into retreat; into a place apart to be with Jesus, to listen. We listen to many voices in our world, voices which sound in the world around us, and voices which sound within us. Now we are invited to listen to Jesus.
Jesus withdraws away from the crowd, and walks up “the mountain” – a familiar place of retreat and solitude for him and those he invites to join him (see Matthew 5:1 and Mark 3:13) and the disciples come to sit with him. As Jesus sits, he indicates that he has something to teach them. As we enter the gospel narrative, we are also invited to sit alongside the disciples and to listen as Jesus addresses them – and us.
He begins teaching us about happiness, the happiness of this “kingdom come near”, the gracious Way of God. What he says is in direct contrast with what the world tells us about finding happiness. To begin with we may find what Jesus says rather impossible: wise, maybe, but not reachable in some way. But Jesus is not looking for instant results. He knows that as this kind of teaching, this light that he brings into our darkness and deep longings, works and brings transformation over time—even for these early disciples this was so. And so it is for us.
This is the New Order of Happiness – the great joy we discover and experience here in the midst of this present world order – this side of Eden. For in this present world we do know what is like
to be poor in spirit – to be vulnerable, disabled.
to mourn – to grieve many losses
to experience the power of meekness and gentleness in surprising ways
to long for everything to be put right, to thirst for peace and justice for all
to experience mercy, forgiveness in the most surprising places
to be blessed by those who work for true peace: within and without
to hear the stories of those who have suffered persecution, hate,
retaliation, because of their love for Jesus, for the Way of God.
Sometimes those stories are our own.
What we are surprised by is how Jesus opens up the door of heaven and ushers hilarity and great happiness into these empty, dark places of weakness and disability, loss and grief, meekness and gentleness, deep and painful longing for peace and justice, the grueling work for peace within and among us, and even into the places of suffering, rejection, hate, retaliation because of love for Jesus.
We may wonder where the link is. How could this happen? Even our question is a prayer which Jesus hears. We learn to follow Jesus, to speak our questions, to live with the questions and the unknown – until Jesus guides us, helps us live into the answers. For this light he sheds upon the deep shadows of the world system, also brings light to the inner rooms and corners of our soul and understanding.
This is the work of the Spirit of God within and among us.
The invitation is to keep listening – as we sit with Jesus, and as the Spirit of God indwells and sits with us.
Prayer before reading:
Lord Jesus Christ,
You come to us.
Help me to see as you see,
To recognize your presence,
And your call
To follow you.
Guide me, us as I learn to walk in your way.
Read slowly. Listen deeply. Indwell the scripture.
Scripture Guide:
Season of Epiphany: Week Four
» 1/24 Monday: Matthew 5:1-12
» 1/25 Tuesday: Matthew 5:1-12
» 1/26 Wednesday: Psalm 15
» 1/27 Thursday: Micah 6:1-8
» 1/28 Friday: I Corinthians 1:18-31
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (King James Version)
18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Responding
The third movement within Soul Space is Responding. Here we shift our focus towards outward engagement.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Pray for the coming day. Pray for persons, families, who need the healing and compassionate care of Jesus, especially for ___________________________ .
Dear God and Father, You who mother us with your mercy, and gentle us into peace with your consolation, console us in all our suffering and affliction So that we may be able to console those who suffer with the comfort and care we receive from you.
By your kind Spirit, be present with those who suffer and are crushed. Breathe your comfort and consolation upon the dry ground of their despair. Through your grace and saving love, surround them with your protection, give them healing and restoration.
In the name of Jesus, our Healer and Burden Bearer. Amen.
*Based on 2 Cor.1:3-5
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Emmanuel,
God with us,
May your kingdom come
And your gracious will be done,
In the earth of our lives in this world
As it is in heaven.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Amen.
Evening- Week Three
It is a good thing . . .
To tell of your loving-kindness early in the morning
And of your faithfulness in the night season.
Kind Spirit of God,
As I come to the end of this day,
Help me to see this day as you see,
To hear voice of Jesus in what I see and hear.
Read the psalm for this week’s lectionary readings.
Silence
Reflection
As I reflect back on this day . . .
For what am I thankful?
In what way have I cooperated with God in bringing justice to the oppressed
freedom to persons who are captive
sight to those who cannot see
relief and support to those who are bowed down
support and comfort to the orphan and widow . . .?
Where have I been aware of your help and faithful companioning?
What do I bring for your holding and tending?
Closing Prayer
Caring and loving God, I bring all of this day—all the pieces that fit, and all the parts that are unfinished and in need of tending, in my own life and in the lives of those I have touched this day. As we sleep this night, continue to work your way of justice for those who are oppressed, and freedom for those who are captive. Bring sight to those who cannot see, and relief and comfort to the poor and needy.
In the name of Jesus, who was born in nakedness and poverty among us, and who brings us the good news of your gracious reign, now and coming.
Amen
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