I wanted to write a quick note to say that I found today's lectionary readings to be really encouraging. I've been dealing with some feelings of discouragement lately, and found the Old Testament passages incredibly helpful.
Part of the first reading was from Psalm 3 - here's a portion of that passage:
"Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side." (Psalm 3:2-6)
Here's a portion of the second reading from Job 5:
"Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal. From six calamities he will rescue you; in seven no harm will befall you. In famine he will ransom you from death, and in battle from the stroke of the sword. You will be protected from the lash of the tongue, and need not fear when destruction comes. You will come to the grave in full vigor, like sheaves gathered in season. "We have examined this, and it is true. So hear it and apply it to yourself." (Job 5:17-21, 26-27)
If you're not familiar with the Lectionary, it is a daily calendar of Scripture readings consisting of:
- one (or more) Psalms
- another Old Testament reading
- a New Testament reading (from something other than the Gospels - such as from Acts or portions of the New Testament letters, which are called the epistles)
- and a reading from the Gospels
This morning for example, the readings were:
-Psalm 1, Psalm 2, Psalm 3
-Job 4:1, 5:1-11, 17-21, 26-27
-Acts 9:19-31
-John 6:52-59
Here's a link to the Lectionary readings. The easiest thing to do on this website is to scroll down to the calendar view and pick the current month then the date.
http://satucket.com/lectionary/
I hope you'll find this helpful...
-DS
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