Thursday, March 1, 2018

Lenten Reading - THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:4–10
As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”
7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
“The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone,” 8 and,
“A stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Additional Scriptures: Psalm 19
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2     Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3     There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
4     Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5        which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6     It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
7     The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8     The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9     The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the Lord are sure
and altogether righteous.
10   They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11   By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12   Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13   Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14   May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Exodus 19:1–9a
In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on the very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.

9 The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.”

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