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2007 - 2009
Scripture
Passages of the Week on nhreligion.com
"Scriptures of the Week" appearing on
nhreligion.com span the entire spectrum of
religious sacred texts used by those who worship in New Hampshire.
The Monday
starting dates for readings is arbitrary. To suggest a scripture
passage, e-mail us at religion (@) nhreligion.com
Jan. 4, 2010 - Jan. 10, 2010: “Peter
began to speak to Cornelius and his relatives and close friends: "I
truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation
anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You
know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by
Jesus Christ-- he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God
anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he
went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.” (Christian Bible) Acts 10:34-38 (New American
Bible)
Dec. 29, 2009 - Jan. 3, 2010: “Those persons who execute their
duties according to My injunctions and who follow this teaching
faithfully, without envy, become free from the bondage of fruitive
actions. But those who, out of envy, disregard these teachings and do
not follow them are to be considered bereft of all knowledge, befooled,
and ruined in their endeavors for perfection." (Hindu Scriptures)
Bhagavad Gita 3:31-32
Christmas Scripture Reading
Dec. 25, 2009: “And it came to pass in those days, that there
went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be
taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of
Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into
Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he
was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his
espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they
were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling
clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them
in the inn.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord
came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and
they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for,
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall
find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace, good will toward men.” (Christian Bible) Luke 2:1-14 (King James
Version)
December 21, 2008 - December 27, 2009: “Now
Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to
a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted
Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary,
that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the
Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed
are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is
this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For
indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the
babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there
will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the
Lord.” And Mary said: “ My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has
rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His
maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me
blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is
His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to
generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the
proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty
from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry
with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped
His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our
fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” And Mary remained with
her about three months, and returned to her house. (Christian Bible)
Luke 1:39-56 (New American Bible)
Dec.
14, 2009 - Dec. 20, 2009: “Mary set out and traveled to the hill
country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of
Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy
Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among
women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen
to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment
the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb
leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to
you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” (Christian Bible) Luke 1:39-45
(New American Bible)
Dec.
7, 2009 - Dec. 13, 2009: “So as not to disrupt the minds of
ignorant men attached to the fruitive results of prescribed duties, a
learned person should not induce them to stop work. Rather, by working
in the spirit of devotion, he should engage them in all sorts of
activities [for the gradual development of Krishna consciousness]."
(Hindu Scripture) Bhagavad Gita 3:26
Dec.
7, 2009 - Dec. 13, 2009: “Whatever action a man performs with
his body, speech and mind - whether right or the reverse - these five
[factors] are its causes. Now, such being the case, verily he who -
owing to untrained understanding -looks upon his self, which is
isolated, as the agent, he of perverted intelligence sees not.” (Hindu
Scripture) Bhagavad Gita 18:14-15
Nov.
30, 2009 - Dec. 6, 2009: “The days are coming, says the LORD,
when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and
Judah. In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just
shoot ; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days
Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure; this is what they
shall call her: ‘The LORD our justice.’” (Jewish & Christian
Bibles) Jeremiah 33:14-16 (New American Bible)
Nov. 23, 2009 - Nov. 29, 2009: “The
LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD is clothed, He
has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so
that it cannot be moved. Your throne is established from of old; You
are from everlasting. The floods have lifted up, O LORD, The floods
have lifted up their voice; The floods lift up their waves. The LORD on
high is mightier than the noise of many waters, Than the mighty waves
of the sea. Your testimonies are very sure; Holiness adorns Your
house, O LORD, forever.” (Jewish and Christian Bibles) Psalm 93
(New King James Version)
Nov.
16, 2009 - Nov. 22, 2009: “It is a fearful thing to fall into
the hands of the living God. 32But recall those earlier days when,
after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with
sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution,
and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had
compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted
the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves
possessed something better and more lasting. Do not, therefore, abandon
that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward.” (Christian Bible)
Hebrews 10:31-35 (New Revised Standard Version)
Nov.
9, 2009 - Nov. 15, 2009: “As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his
disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of
Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of
Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of David, have pity
on me." And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept
calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." Jesus
stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man, saying to
him, "Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you." He threw aside his
cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, "What
do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I
want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you."
Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.”
(Christian Bible) Mark 10:46-52 (New American Bible)
Nov.
2, 2009 - Nov. 8, 2009: “Beloved: See what love the Father has
bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we
are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been
revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for
we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope based on him
makes himself pure, as he is pure.” (Christian Bible) 1 John 3:1-3 (New
American Bible)
Oct.
26, 2009 - Nov. 1, 2009: “All men have been created to carry
forward an ever-advancing civilization. The Almighty beareth Me
witness: To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those
virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and
loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth.”
(Baha’i Scriptures) Gleanings from the Writings of
Bahá’u’lláh, 109.
Oct
19, 2009 - Oct. 25, 2009: “Mang Wû asked what filial piety
was. The Master said, "Parents are anxious lest their children should
be sick." How there must be reverence in filial duty. Tsze-yû
asked what filial piety was. The Master said, "The filial piety
nowadays means the support of one's parents. But dogs and horses
likewise are able to do something in the way of support; - without
reverence, what is there to distinguish the one support given from the
other?" (Confucian Scriptures) The Analects of Confucius, Book 2,
Chapters 6 & 7 (James Legge translation)
Oct.
12, 2009 - Oct. 18, 2009: “Can you discover the depths of God?
Can you discover the limits of the Almighty? They are high as the
heavens, what can you do? Deeper than Sheol, what can you know? “Its
measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea. If He
passes by or shuts up, Or calls an assembly, who can restrain
Him? For He knows false men, And He sees iniquity without
investigating.” (Jewish and Christian Bibles) Job 11:7-11 (American
Standard Version)
Oct.
5, 2009 - Oct. 11, 2009: “As snow in summer, and as rain in
harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. As the wandering sparrow,
as the flying swallow, so the curse that is causeless shall come home.
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the back of
fools. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like
unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his
own eyes. He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off
his own feet, and drinketh damage. The legs hang limp from the lame; so
is a parable in the mouth of fools. As a small stone in a heap of
stones, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.” (Jewish and Christian
Bibles) Proverbs 26:1-8 (Jewish Publication Society Translation)
Sept.
28, 2009 - Oct. 4, 2009: “An argument arose among the disciples
about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of
their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to
them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever
receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least
among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” Then John said in
reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we
tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus
said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for
you.” (Christian Bible) Luke 9:46-50 (New American Bible)
Sept.
21, 2009 - Sept. 27, 2009: “Devise not evil against thy
neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Strive not with a man
without cause, if he have done thee no harm. Envy thou not the man of
violence, and choose none of his ways. For the perverse is an
abomination to HaShem; but His counsel is with the upright. The curse
of HaShem is in the house of the wicked; but He blesseth the habitation
of the righteous. If it concerneth the scorners, He scorneth them, but
unto the humble He giveth grace. The wise shall inherit honor; but as
for the fools, they carry away shame.” (Jewish/Christian Scriptures)
Proverbs 4:29-35 (Jewish Publication Society Translation)
Sept. 14, 2009 - Sept. 20, 2009: “Jesus
said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has
come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the
serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that
everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” For God so loved
the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in
him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send
his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world
might be saved through him.” (Christian Bible) John 3:13-17 (New
American Bible)
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Sept. 7,
2009 - Sept. 13, 2009: “On
a certain Sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there
was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the
Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the Sabbath so
that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their
intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and
stand before us.” And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them,
“I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do
evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Looking around at them
all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his
hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what
they might do to Jesus.”
(Christian Bible) Luke 6:6-11 (New American Bible)
Aug. 31, 2009 - Sept. 6, 2009:
“Jesus said, "I am the bread which came down from heaven... the one who
eats this bread will live forever." When many of his disciples heard
this, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" But
Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said
to them, "Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of
man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life,
the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit
and life. But among you there are some who do not believe." For Jesus
knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was
the one that would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have
told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the
Father." Because of this many of the disciples turned back and no
longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also
wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go?
You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know
that you are the Holy One of God." (Christian Bible) John 6:60-69 (New
Revised Standard Version)
Aug. 24, 2009 - Aug. 30, 2009:
“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed
for those before you, so that you may guard against evil. The
prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you
is sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days; and
for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty, is an
expiation - the feeding of a poor man. And whoso does good of his own
accord it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only
knew. The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed as a
guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination.
Therefore, whosoever is present at home in this month let him fast
therein. But whoso is temporarily sick or on a journey, shall fast the
same number of other days, ALLAH desires ease for you and HE desires
not hardship for you, and HE desires that you may complete the number,
and that you may exalt ALLAH for HIS having guided you and that you may
be grateful.” (Islamic Quran) Surah 2:183-185 (Sher Ali translation)
Aug. 17, 2009 - Aug. 23, 2009: “A
young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to
gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good?
There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the
commandments.” He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You
shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you
shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and
you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him,
“All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to
him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the
poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When
the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many
possessions.” (Christian Bible) Matthew 19:16-22 (New American Bible)
Aug. 10, 2009 - Aug. 16, 2009: “Mang
Î asked what filial piety was. The Master said, "It is not being
disobedient." Soon after, as Fan Ch'ih was driving him, the Master told
him, saying, "Mang-sun asked me what filial piety was, and I answered
him, - 'not being disobedient.'" Fan Ch'ih said, "What did you mean?"
The Master replied, "That parents, when alive, be served according to
propriety; that, when dead, they should be buried according to
propriety; and that they should be sacrificed to according to
propriety." (Confucian Scriptures) The Analects of Confucius, Book 2,
Chapter 5 (James Legge translation)
Aug
3, 2009 - Aug. 9, 2009: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to
thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies
blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and
cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin
is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done
this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou
speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in
iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest
truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to
know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I
shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the
bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins,
and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence;
and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy
salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach
transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”
(Jewish and Christian Bibles) Psalm 51:1-13 (King James Version)
July
27, 2009 - Aug. 2, 2009: “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not
be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside
quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of
righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with
me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table
before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days
of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Jewish
and Christian Bibles) Psalm 23 (New International Version)
July
20, 2009 - July 26, 2009: “A wise magistrate educates his
people, and the rule of an intelligent person is well ordered. As the
people's judge is, so are his officials; as the ruler of the city is,
so are all its inhabitants. An undisciplined king ruins his people, but
a city becomes fit to live in through the understanding of its rulers.
The government of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and over it he
will raise up the right leader for the time. success is in the hand of
the Lord, and it is he who confers honor upon the lawgiver. Do not get
angry with your neighbor for every injury, and do not resort to acts of
insolence. Arrogance is hateful to the Lord and to mortals, and
injustice is outrageous to both. Sovereignty passes from nation to
nation on account of injustice and insolence and wealth.” (Catholic and
Orthodox Christian Bibles - Apocrypha) Book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
Sirach 10:1-8 (New American Bible)
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July 13, 2009 - July 19, 2009: “The
LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your
father's household and go to the land I will show you. ‘I will make you
into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and
whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be
blessed through you.’” (Jewish and Christian Bibles) Genesis 12:1-4
(New International Version)
July 6, 2009 - July 12, 2009: “The
sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to its place
where it ariseth. The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about
unto the north; it turneth about continually in its course, and the
wind returneth again to its circuits. All the rivers run into the sea,
yet the sea is not full; unto the place whither the rivers go, thither
they go again. All things are full of weariness; man cannot utter it :
the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been
done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the
sun.” (Jewish and Christian Scriptures) Ecclesiastes 1:5-9 (American
Standard Version)
June 8, 2009 - June 14, 2009: “You
have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a
tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps
you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to
sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And
whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who
asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”
(Christian Bible) Matthew 5:38-42 (New King James Version)
June 1, 2009 - June 7, 2009: “The
Master said, "At fifteen, I had my mind bent on learning. At thirty, I
stood firm. At forty, I had no doubts. At fifty, I knew the decrees of
Heaven. At sixty, my ear was an obedient organ for the reception of
truth. At seventy, I could follow what my heart desired, without
transgressing what was right." (Confucian Scriptures) The Analects of
Confucius, Book 2, Chapter 4 (James Legge translation)
May
25, 2009 - May 31, 2009: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also
must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one
another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in
us. This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has
given us of his Spirit. Moreover, we have seen and testify that the
Father sent his Son as savior of the world. Whoever acknowledges that
Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. We have come
to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and
whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” (Christian
Scripture) 1 John 4:11-16 (New American Bible)
May 18, 2009 - May 24, 2009: “Rejoice
in the LORD, you righteous; it is good for the just to sing praises.
Praise the LORD with the harp; play to him upon the psaltery and lyre.
Sing for him a new song; sound a fanfare with all your skill upon the
trumpet. For the word of the LORD is right, and all his works are
sure.” (Jewish an Christian Scriptures) Psalms 33:1-4 (New Revised
Standard Version)
May 11, 2009 - May 17, 2009: “My son, lead not a beggar's life;
for better it is to die than to beg. The life of him that dependeth on
another man's table is not to be counted for a life; for he polluteth
himself with other men's meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware
thereof. Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his
belly there shall burn a fire.” (Catholic and Orthodox Christian Bibles
- Apocrypha) Book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 40:28-30 (King James
Version)
May 4, 2009 - May 10, 2009: “And now remember, remember, my
brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and
whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are
free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath
given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free. He hath given
unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you
that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored
unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you;
or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you.”
(Latter-day Saints Scripture) The Book of Mormon, Helaman 30-31.
April 27, 2009 - May 3, 2009: “The
Master said, "In the Book of Poetry are three hundred pieces, but the
design of them all may be embraced in one sentence - 'Having no
depraved thoughts.’” (Confucian Scripture) The Analects of Confucius,
Book 2, Chapter 2 (James Legge translation)
April
20, 2009 - April 26, 2009: “Open to me the gates of
righteousness; I shall enter through them, I shall give thanks to the
LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; The righteous will enter through
it. I shall give thanks to You, for You have answered me, And You
have become my salvation. The stone which the builders rejected has
become the chief corner stone. This is the LORD'S doing; It is
marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us
rejoice and be glad in it.” (Jewish and Christian Scriptures) Psalm
118:19-24 (New American Standard Version)
April 13, 2009 - April 19, 2009: “As
Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the
tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed
Him. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that
behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and
His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His
disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no
need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this
means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call
the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Christian Scriptures)
Matthew 9:9-13 (New King James Version
Easter
Sunday April 12, 2009: “Now after the Sabbath, as the first day
of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to
see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of
the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from
the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his
clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and
became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do
not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is
not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the
Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from
the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you
will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly
from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples
word. The Women Worship the Risen Lord. And as they went to tell His
disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and
held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do
not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they
will see Me.” (Christian Bible) Matthew 28:1-10 (New King James Version)
April
6, 2009 - April 12, 2009: “As they approached Jerusalem and
came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of
his disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and
just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has
ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are
you doing this?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back
here shortly.' " They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied
at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked,
"What are you doing, untying that colt?" They answered as Jesus had
told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to
Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread
their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in
the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
"Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is
the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!" Jesus
entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at
everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with
the Twelve.” (Christian Bible) Mark 11:1-11) New International Version
March 30, 2009 - April 5, 2009: “No
man shall escape from act By shunning action; nay, and none shall come
By mere renouncements unto perfectness. Nay, and no jot of time, at any
time, Rests any actionless; his nature's law Compels him, even unwilling, into act;
[For thought is act in fancy]. He who sits Suppressing all the instruments of flesh,
Yet in his idle heart thinking on them, Plays the inept and guilty hypocrite: But
he who, with strong body serving mind, Gives up his mortal powers to worthy work,
Not seeking gain, Arjuna! such an one Is honourable. Do thine allotted
task! Work is more excellent than idleness; The body's life proceeds not, lacking
work. There is a task of holiness to do.” (Hindu Scripture) Bhagavad
Gita Chapter 3, “Of Virtue in Work”
March
23, 2009 - March 29, 2009: “O, my beloved brethren, remember my
words. Behold, I take off my garments, and I shake them before you; I
pray the God of my salvation that he view me with his all-searching
eye; wherefore, ye shall know at the last day, when all men shall be
judged of their works, that the God of Israel did witness that I shook
your iniquities from my soul, and that I stand with brightness before
him, and am rid of your blood. (Latter-day Saints Scripture) The Book
of Mormon, 2 Nephi 9:44-45
March 16, 2009 - March 22, 2009: “O
peoples of the world! Forsake all evil, hold fast that which is good.
Strive to be shining examples unto all mankind, and true reminders of
the virtues of God amidst men. He that riseth to serve My Cause should
manifest My wisdom, and bend every effort to banish ignorance from the
earth. Be united in counsel, be one in thought. Let each morn be better
than its eve and each morrow richer than its yesterday. Man's merit
lieth in service and virtue and not in the pageantry of wealth and
riches. Take heed that your words be purged from idle fancies and
worldly desires and your deeds be cleansed from craftiness and
suspicion. (Baha’i writings) Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of
Bahá'u'lláh, p. 135
March
9, 2009 - March 15, 2009: “Jesus
said to his disciples: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
"Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will
not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.Give and gifts will
be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and
overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which
you measure will in return be measured out to you." (Christian Bible)
Luke 6:36-38 (New American Bible)
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March 2,
2009 - March 8, 2009: “Just
as a trader with a small escort and great wealth would avoid a perilous
route, or just as one desiring to live avoids poison, even so should
one shun evil. If on the hand there is no wound, one may carry even
poison in it. Poison does not affect one who is free from wounds. For
him who does no evil, there is no ill. Like fine dust thrown against
the wind, evil falls back upon that fool who offends an inoffensive,
pure and guiltless man. Some are born in the womb; the wicked are born
in hell; the devout go to heaven; the stainless pass into Nirvana.
Neither in the sky nor in mid-ocean, nor by entering into mountain
clefts, nowhere in the world is there a place where one may escape from
the results of evil deeds. Neither in the sky nor in mid-ocean, nor by
entering into mountain clefts, nowhere in the world is there a place
where one will not be overcome by death. (Buddhist Scripture)
Dhammapada, verses 123-128. “Evil.”
February
23, 2009 - March 1, 2009: “A virtuous woman is a crown to her
husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. The
thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are
deceit. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the
mouth of the upright shall deliver them. The wicked are overthrown, and
are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.” (Jewish and
Christian Bible) Proverbs 12:4-12:7 (King James Version)
February
16, 2009 - February 22, 2009: “The Pharisees came forward and
began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test
him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, "Why does this
generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to
this generation." Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went
off to the other shore.” (Christian Bible) Mark 8:11-13 (New American
Bible)
February
9, 2009 - February 15, 2009: “If I speak in the tongues of
mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a
clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all
mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove
mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my
possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not
have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind; love is not
envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own
way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in
wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes
all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But
as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will
cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in
part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the
partial will come to an end.” (Christian Bible) 1 Corinthians 13:1-10
(New Revised Standard Version)
February
2, 2009 - February 8, 2009: “Behold, the righteous shall be
recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner. Whoso
loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is
brutish. A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked
devices will he condemn. A man shall not be established by wickedness:
but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.” (Jewish and
Christian Bible) Proverbs 11:31-12:3 (King James Version)
January
26, 2009 - February 1, 2009: “A good man out of the good
treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil
man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is
evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” (Christian
Bible) Luke 6:45 (King James Version)
January
19, 2009 - January 25, 2009: “Now they which were scattered
abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as
Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto
the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which,
when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Greeks, preaching the
LORD Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number
believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came
unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth
Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and
had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with
purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good
man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added
unto the Lord.” (Christian Bible) Acts 11:19-24 (King James Version)
January
12, 2009 - January 18, 2009: Jesus said, "Grapes are not
harvested from thorns, nor are figs gathered from thistles, for they do
not produce fruit. A good man brings forth good from his storehouse; an
evil man brings forth evil things from his evil storehouse, which is in
his heart, and says evil things. For out of the abundance of the heart
he brings forth evil things." (Christian Apocrypha) The Gospel of
Thomas, Saying 45
[Return to nhreligion.com]
January
5, 2009 - January 11, 2009: “But Alma said unto him: Thou hast
had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a
sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also
all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and
all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and call things
that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all
the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a
Supreme Creator.” (Latter-day Saints Scripture) Alma 30:44 (Book of
Mormon)
December 29, 2008 - January 4, 2009: “Hear,
O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5And thou shalt love the
LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all
thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be
upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,
and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou
walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be
for frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the
door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates.” (Jewish and Christian
Bibles) Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)
Christmas Scripture Reading
Dec. 25, 2008: “And it came to pass in those days, that there
went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be
taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of
Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into
Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he
was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his
espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they
were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling
clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them
in the inn.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord
came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and
they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for,
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall
find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace, good will toward men.” (Christian Bible) Luke 2:1-14 (King James
Version)
December 22, 2008 - December 28, 2008: “Now Mary arose in those
days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and
entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened,
when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her
womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out
with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed
is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the
mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice
of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for
joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of
those things which were told her from the Lord.” And Mary said: “ My
soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold,
henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty
has done great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on
those who fear Him From generation to generation. He has shown strength
with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their
hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the
lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has
sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of
His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed
forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned
to her house. (Christian Bible) Luke 1:39-56 (New American Bible)
December 15, 2008 - December 21, 2008: “He came out and went,
as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed
him. When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not
come into the time of trial.’* Then he withdrew from them about a
stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing,
remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ Then an
angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish
he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of
blood falling down on the ground.* When he got up from prayer, he came
to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46and he
said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not
come into the time of trial.’* While he was still speaking, suddenly a
crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading
them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, ‘Judas,
is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?’ When those
who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, ‘Lord, should we
strike with the sword?’ Then one of them struck the slave of the high
priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, ‘No more of this!’
And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief
priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come
for him, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a
bandit? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not
lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!’
(Christian Bible) Luke 22:39-53 (New Revised Standard Version)
December 8, 2008 - December 14, 2008: “For
I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet
than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is
greater than he.” And when all the people heard Him, even the tax
collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of
John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for
themselves, not having been baptized by him. And the Lord said, “To
what then shall I liken the men of this generation, and what are they
like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to
one another, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, And you did not
dance; We mourned to you, And you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist
came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a
demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say,
‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and
sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by all her children.” (Christian
Bible) Luke 7:28-35 (New King James Version)
December 1, 2008 - December 7, 2008: “And when ye shall receive these
things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father,
in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall
ask with a sincere heart, with dreal intent, having faith in Christ, he
will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that
is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is. And ye may
know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would
exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power,
according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and
tomorrow, and forever.” (The Book of Mormon, Latter-day Saints/Mormon
Scripture) Moroni 10:4-7
[Return to nhreligion.com]
November 24, 2008 - November 30, 2008:
“A person whose all works are free from selfish desires and motives,
and whose all Karma is burned up in the fire of Self-knowledge, is
called a sage by the wise. Having abandoned attachment to the fruits of
work, ever content, and dependent on no one (but God); though engaged
in activity, one does nothing at all and incurs no Karmic reaction.
Free from desires, mind and senses under control, renouncing all
proprietorship, doing mere bodily action, one does not incur sin or
Karmic reaction. Content with whatever gain comes naturally by His
will, unaffected by dualities, free from envy, equanimous in success
and failure; though engaged in work such a person is not bound by
Karma.” (Hindu Scriptures) Bhagavad Gita (4:19-4:22)
November 17, 2008 - November 23, 2008:
“Concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not
need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well
that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they
say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come
upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be
no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to
surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and
children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then
let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be
sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get
drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and
put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of
salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining
salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that
whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him.” (Christian
Bible) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 (New Revised Standard Version)
November 10, 2008 - November 16, 2008:
"Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in
from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here immediately and
take your place at table'? Would he not rather say to him, 'Prepare
something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat
and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished'? Is he grateful to
that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with
you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are
unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"
(Christian Bible) Luke 13:7-10 (New American Bible)
November 3, 2008 - November 9, 2008: “Then I saw the beast and
the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war
against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was
captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the
miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those
who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two
of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The
rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of
the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their
flesh.” (Christian Bible) Revelation 19:19-21 (New King James Version)
October 27, 2008 - November 2, 2008: “Brothers and sisters: Be
kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has
forgiven you in Christ. Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and
live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a
sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. Immorality or any
impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you as is fitting
among holy ones, no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out
of place, but instead, thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no immoral
or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance
in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty
arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon
the disobedient. So do not be associated with them. For you were once
darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of
light.” (Christian Bible) Ephesians 4:32–5:8 (New American Bible)
[Return to nhreligion.com]
October 20, 2008 - October 26, 2008: “I
will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing
praises to You I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your
name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have
magnified Your word above all Your name. In the day when I cried out,
You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul.” (Jewish
and Christian Bibles) Psalm 138:1-3 (New King James Version)
October 13, 2008 - October 19, 2008: “Therefore be patient,
brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for
the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it
receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your
hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against
one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is
standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the
name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we
count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of
Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very
compassionate and merciful. But above all, my brethren, do not swear,
either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes”
be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.” (Christian
Bible) James 5:1-6 (New King James Version)
October 6, 2008 - October 12, 2008: “Whenever
there is a decline of Dharma and the rise of Adharma, O Arjuna, then I
manifest Myself. I incarnate from time to time for protecting the good,
for transforming the wicked, and for establishing Dharma, the world
order. The one who truly understands My transcendental birth and
activities of creation, maintenance, and dissolution, is not born again
after leaving this body and attains My abode, O Arjuna. Freed from
attachment, fear, and anger; fully absorbed in Me, taking refuge in Me,
and purified by the fire of Self-knowledge, many have attained Me. With
whatever motive people worship Me, I fulfill their desires accordingly.
People approach Me with different motives. Those who long for success
in their work here on the earth worship the Devas. Success in work
comes quickly in this human world.” (Hindu Scriptures) Bhagavad Gita
(4:07-4:12)
September 29, 2008 - October 5, 2008:
“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming
upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.
Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a
witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped
up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who
mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries
of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have
lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your
hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered
the just; he does not resist you.” (Christian Bible) James 5:1-6 (New
King James Version)
September 22, 2008 - September 28,
2008: “He turns rivers into a wilderness, And the watersprings
into dry ground; A fruitful land into barrenness, For the wickedness of
those who dwell in it. He turns a wilderness into pools of water, And
dry land into watersprings. There He makes the hungry dwell, That they
may establish a city for a dwelling place, And sow fields and plant
vineyards, That they may yield a fruitful harvest. He also blesses
them, and they multiply greatly; And He does not let their cattle
decrease. When they are diminished and brought low Through
oppression, affliction, and sorrow, He pours contempt on princes, And
causes them to wander in the wilderness where there is no way; Yet He
sets the poor on high, far from affliction, And makes their families
like a flock. The righteous see it and rejoice, And all iniquity stops
its mouth. Whoever is wise will observe these things, And they will
understand the lovingkindness of the LORD” (Jewish & Christian
Bibles) Psalms 107:23-33 (New King James Version)
September 15, 2008 - September 21,
2008: “Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying,
“Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” But He answered and said to
them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no
sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as
Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish,
so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of
the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this
generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of
Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South
will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for
she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and
indeed a greater than Solomon is here.” (Christian Bible) Matt.
12:38-42 (New King James Version)
September 8, 2008 - September 14,
2008: Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will
flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse
your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9
Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and
your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He
will lift you up. Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who
speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law
and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the
law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to
destroy. Who are you to judge another? Come now, you who say, “Today or
tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy
and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen
tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a
little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the
Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in
your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows
to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (Christian Bible)
James 4:7-17 (New King James Version)
[Return to nhreligion.com]
September 1, 2008 - September 7, 2008:
“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was
prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil.
The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among
you is sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days;
and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty, is an
expiation - the feeding of a poor man. And whoso does good of his own
accord it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only
knew. The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed as a
guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination.
Therefore, whosoever is present at home in this month let him fast
therein. But whoso is temporarily sick or on a journey, shall fast the
same number of other days, ALLAH desires ease for you and HE desires
not hardship for you, and HE desires that you may complete the number,
and that you may exalt ALLAH for HIS having guided you and that you may
be grateful.” (Islamic Quran) Surah 2:183-185 (Sher Ali translation)
August 25, 2008 - August 31, 2008:
“It may be well with the evil-doer as long as the evil ripens not. But
when it does ripen, then the evil-doer sees (the painful results of)
his evil deeds. It may be ill with the doer of good as long as the good
ripens not. But when it does ripen, then the doer of good sees (the
pleasant results of) his good deeds. Think not lightly of evil, saying,
"It will not come to me." Drop by drop is the water pot filled.
Likewise, the fool, gathering it little by little, fills himself with
evil. Think not lightly of good, saying, "It will not come to me." Drop
by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it
little by little, fills himself with good.” (Buddhist Scripture)
Dhammapada, verses 119-122. “Evil.”
August 18, 2008 - August 24, 2008:
“A young man approached Jesus and said,“Teacher, what good must I do to
gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good?
There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the
commandments.” He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You
shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you
shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and
you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him,
“All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to
him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the
poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When
the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many
possessions.” (Christian Bible) Matt. 19:16-22 (New American Bible)
August 11, 2008 - August 17, 2008: "And
he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and
they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into
pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither
shall they learn war any more." (Jewish and Christian Bible) Isaiah 2:4
(King James Version)
August 4, 2008 - August 10, 2008:
“Ezra blessed the Lord, and said, "Our ancestors acted presumptuously
and stiffened their necks and did not obey your commandments; they
refused to obey, and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed
among them; but they stiffened their necks and determined to return to
their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious
and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and you
did not forsake them. Even when they had cast an image of a calf for
themselves and said, `This is your God who brought you up out of
Egypt,' and had committed great blasphemies, you in your great mercies
did not forsake them in the wilderness; the pillar of cloud that led
them in the way did not leave them by day, nor the pillar of fire by
night that gave them light on the way by which they should go. You gave
your good spirit to instruct them, and did not withhold your manna from
their mouths, and gave them water for their thirst.” (Jewish &
Christian Bibles) Nehemiah 9:16-20 (New Revised Standard Version)
[Return to nhreligion.com]
July 28, 2008 - August 3, 2008:
“Hasten to do good; restrain your mind from evil. He who is slow in
doing good, his mind delights in evil. Should a person commit evil, let
him not do it again and again. Let him not find pleasure therein, for
painful is the accumulation of evil. Should a person do good, let him
do it again and again. Let him find pleasure therein, for blissful is
the accumulation of good. It may be well with the evil-doer as long as
the evil ripens not. But when it does ripen, then the evil-doer sees
(the painful results of) his evil deeds. It may be ill with the doer of
good as long as the good ripens not. But when it does ripen, then the
doer of good sees (the pleasant results of) his good deeds.” (Buddhist
Scripture) Dhammapada, verses 116-120. “Evil.”
July 21, 2008 - July 27, 2008: “Knowledge
is as wings to man's life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition
is incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however,
should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not
those which begin with words and end with words.” (Baha’i writings)
Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 51
July 14, 2008 - July 20, 2008:
“Embracing the Way, you become embraced; Breathing gently, you become
newborn; Clearing your mind, you become clear; Nurturing your children,
you become impartial; Opening your heart, you become accepted;
Accepting the world, you embrace the Way. Bearing and nurturing,
Creating but not owning, Giving without demanding, This is harmony.”
(Taoist Scripture) Tao De Ching, Chapter 10, “Harmony”
July 7, 2008 - July 13, 2008: “To one ever eager to revere and
serve the elders, these four blessing accrue: long life and beauty,
happiness and power.
Better it is to live one day virtuous and meditative than to live a
hundred years immoral and uncontrolled. Better it is to live one day
wise and meditative than to live a hundred years foolish and
uncontrolled. Better it is to live one day strenuous and resolute than
to live a hundred years sluggish and dissipated. Better it is to live
one day seeing the rise and fall of things than to live as hundred
years without ever seeing the rise and fall of things. Better it is to
live one day seeing the Deathless than to live a hundred years without
ever seeing the Deathless. Better it is to live one day seeing the
Supreme Truth than to live a hundred years without ever seeing the
Supreme Truth.” (Buddhist Scripture) Dhammapada, verses 109-115. “The
Thousands.”
June 30, 2008 - July 6, 2008: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is
upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the
poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim
liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those
who are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the
day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those
who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for
mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they
may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He
may be glorified.” (Jewish & Christian Bibles) Isaiah 61:1-3 (New
King James Version)
June 23, 2008 - June 29, 2008: “The Master said, "He who
exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the
north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards
it." (Confucian Scripture) The Analects of Confucius, Book 2, Chapter 1
(James Legge translation)
June 16,
2008 - June 22, 2008: “Where do wars and fights come from among
you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your
members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot
obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend
it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that
friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants
to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you
think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us
yearns jealously”? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God
resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.’” (Christian Bible)
James 4:1-6 (New King James Version)
June
9, 2008 - June 15, 2008: "And seeing the multitudes, he went up
into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And
he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in
spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed [are] they that
mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they
shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst
after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the
merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart:
for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be
called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for
righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are
you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all
manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be
exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted
they the prophets which were before you. (Christian Bible) Matthew
5:1-12 (King James Version)
[Return to nhreligion.com]
June 2, 2008 - June
8, 2008: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but
only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to
me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we
not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your
name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart
from me, you evildoers.’ “Everyone who listens to these words of mine
and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the
house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And
everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on
them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell,
the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it
collapsed and was completely ruined.” (Christian Bible) Matthew 7:21-27
(New American Bible)
May
26, 2008 - June 1, 2008:
“Self-conquest is far better then the
conquest of others. Not even a god, an angel, Mara or Brahma can turn
into defeat the victory of a person who is self-subdued and ever
restrained in conduct. Though month after month for a hundred years one
should offer sacrifices by the thousands, yet if only for a moment one
should worship those of perfected minds that honor is indeed better
than a century of sacrifice. Though for a hundred years one should tend
the sacrificial fire in the forest, yet if only for a moment one should
worship those of perfected minds, that worship is indeed better than a
century of sacrifice. Whatever gifts and oblations one seeking merit
might offer in this world for a whole year, all that is not worth one
fourth of the merit gained by revering the Upright Ones, which is truly
excellent.” (Buddhist Scripture) Dhammapada, verses 104-108. “The
Thousand.”
May
19, 2008 - May 25, 2008: “Blessed be the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a
living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to
an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,
kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through
faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to
suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith,
more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire,
may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus
Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do
not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an
indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the
salvation of your souls.” (Christian Bible) 1 Peter 1:3-9 (New American
Bible)
May 12, 2008 - May 18, 2008: Beloved: Who among you is wise and
understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility
that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish
ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. Wisdom
of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly,
unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,
there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is
first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and
good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of
righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.”
(Christian Bible) James 3:13-18 (New American Bible)
May 12, 2008 - May 18, 2008: “When the day of Pentecost had
come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from
heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it
filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of
fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of
them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other
languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews
from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound
the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them
speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they
asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it
that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes,
Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus
and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging
to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans
and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's
deeds of power." (Christian Bible) Acts 2:1-11 (New Revised Standard
Version)
[Return to nhreligion.com]
May 5, 2008 - May 11, 2008: “The Master said, "I will not be
afflicted at men's not knowing me; I will be afflicted that I do not
know men." (Confucian Scripture) The Analects of Confucius, Book 1,
Chapter 16 (James Legge translation)
April
28, 2008 - May 4, 2008: “I am no more than a human like you,
being inspired that your god is one god. Those who hope to meet their
Lord shall work righteousness, and never worship any other god beside
his Lord." (Islamic Quran) Surah 18:110 (Shakir translation)
April 21,
2008 - April 27, 2008: “A great and marvelous work is
about to come forth unto the children of men. Behold, I am God; give
heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a
two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow;
therefore give heed unto my words. Behold, the field is white already
to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his
sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may
treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.
Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called
of God. Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will
knock it shall be opened unto you. Now, as you have asked, behold, I
say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and
establish the cause of Zion; Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and
behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall
you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich. Verily,
verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be unto
you; and if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in
this generation. Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep
my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my
commandments, and you shall be blessed.” (Mormon Scriptures) Doctrine
and Covenants 6:1-9.
April
14, 2008 - April 20, 2008: “When I was a child, I spoke like a
child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became
an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror,
dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then
I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith,
hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”
(Christian Bible) 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 (New Revised Standard Version)
April 7, 2008 - April 13, 2008: “Better than a thousand useless
words is one useful word, hearing which one attains peace. Better than
a thousand useless verses is one useful verse, hearing which one
attains peace. Better than reciting a hundred meaningless verses is the
reciting of one verse of Dhamma, hearing which one attains peace.
Though one may conquer a thousand times a thousand men in battle, yet
he indeed is the noblest victor who conquers himself.” (Buddhist
Scripture) Dhammapada, verses 100-103. “The Thousand.”
March 31, 2008 - April 6, 2008: “How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on
the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were
falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even
life forevermore.” (Jewish and Christian Bibles) Psalm 133 (New
International Version)
March 24, 2008 - March 30, 2008: “A child or a city will
preserve one's name, but better than either, attaining wisdom.
Sheepfolds and orchards bring flourishing health; but better than
either, a devoted wife; Wine and music delight the soul, but better
than either, conjugal love. The flute and the harp offer sweet melody,
but better than either, a voice that is true. Charm and beauty delight
the eye, but better than either, the flowers of the field. A friend, a
neighbor, are timely guides, but better than either, a prudent wife. A
brother, a helper, for times of stress; but better than either, charity
that rescues. Gold and silver make one's way secure, but better than
either, sound judgment. Wealth and vigor build up confidence, but
better than either, fear of God. Fear of the LORD leaves nothing
wanting; he who has it need seek no other support: The fear of God is a
paradise of blessings; its canopy, all that is glorious.” (Catholic and
Orthodox Christian Bibles - Apocrypha) Book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
40:18-27 (New American Bible)
Easter, March 23, 2008: "On the first day of the week, Mary of
Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon
Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They
have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put
him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the
tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and
arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths
there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went
into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had
covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a
separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had
arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not
yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.”
(Christian Bible) John 20:1-9 (New American Bible)
[Return to nhreligion.com]
March
17, 2008 - March 23, 2008: “Brothers and sisters: Those who are
in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; on the
contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in
you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the
spirit is alive because of righteousness. If the Spirit of the one who
raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ
from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his
Spirit dwelling in you.” (Christian Bible) Romans 8:8-11 (New American
Bible)
March 10, 2008 - March 16, 2008: “When Jesus and the disciples
drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus
sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you,
and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her.
Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything
to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at
once.” This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet
might be fulfilled: Say to daughter Zion, “Behold, your king comes to
you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of
burden.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They
brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he
sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road,
while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road.
The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and
saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is the he who comes in
the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” And when he entered
Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” And the
crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”
(Christian Bible) Matthew 21:1-11 (New American Bible)
March 3, 2008 - March 9, 2008: “Be ye therefore followers of
God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us,
and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a
sweet smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or
covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not
convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no
whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater,
hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man
deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the
wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore
partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye
light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the
Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is
acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful
works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to
speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” (Christian
Bible) Ephesians 5:1-12 (King James Version)
February
25, 2008 - March 2, 2008: “Tsze-kung said, "What do you
pronounce concerning the poor man who yet does not flatter, and the
rich man who is not proud?" The Master replied, "They will do; but they
are not equal to him, who, though poor, is yet cheerful, and to him,
who, though rich, loves the rules of propriety." Tsze-kung replied, "It
is said in the Book of Poetry, 'As you cut and then file, as you carve
and then polish.' - The meaning is the same, I apprehend, as that which
you have just expressed." The Master said, "With one like Ts'ze, I can
begin to talk about the odes. I told him one point, and he knew its
proper sequence." (Confucian Scripture) The Analects of Confucius, Book
1, Chapter 15 (James Legge translation)
February
18, 2008 - February 24, 2008: “Those conflicts and disputes
among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings
that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so
you commit murder. And you covet you murder and you covet'); something
and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do
not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because
you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.
Adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity
with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes
an enemy of God. Or do you suppose that it is for nothing that the
scripture says, ‘God yearns jealously for the spirit that he has made
to dwell in us’? But he gives all the more grace; therefore it says,
‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from
you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your
hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament
and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your
joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will
exalt you.” (Christian Bible) James 4:1-10 (New Revised Standard
Version)
February
11, 2008 - February 17, 2008: “If I speak in the
tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy
gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and
understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so
as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give
away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may
boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is
kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not
insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not
rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things,
believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never
ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues,
they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know
only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete
comes, the partial will come to an end.” (Christian Bible) 1
Corinthians 13:1-10 (New Revised Standard Version)
February
4, 2008 - February 10, 2008: “A child or a city will preserve
one's name, but better than either, attaining wisdom. Sheepfolds and
orchards bring flourishing health; but better than either, a devoted
wife; Wine and music delight the soul, but better than either, conjugal
love. The flute and the harp offer sweet melody, but better than
either, a voice that is true. Charm and beauty delight the eye, but
better than either, the flowers of the field. A friend, a neighbor, are
timely guides, but better than either, a prudent wife. A brother, a
helper, for times of stress; but better than either, charity that
rescues. Gold and silver make one's way secure, but better than either,
sound judgment. Wealth and vigor build up confidence, but better than
either, fear of God. Fear of the LORD leaves nothing wanting; he who
has it need seek no other support: The fear of God is a paradise of
blessings; its canopy, all that is glorious.” (Catholic and Orthodox
Christian Bibles - Apocrypha) Book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 40:18-27
(New American Bible)
January
28, 2008 - February 3, 2008: “The Master said, "He who aims to
be a man of complete virtue in his food does not seek to gratify his
appetite, nor in his dwelling place does he seek the appliances of
ease; he is earnest in what he is doing, and careful in his speech; he
frequents the company of men of principle that he may be rectified:--
such a person may be said indeed to love to learn." (Confucian
Scriptures) The Analects of Confucius, Book 1, Chapter 14 (James Legge
translation)
January 21, 2008 - January 27, 2008: “If He pleases, He causes
the wind to become still so that they lie motionless on its back; most
surely there are signs in this for every patient, grateful one, Or He
may make them founder for what they have earned, and (even then) pardon
most; And (that) those who dispute about Our communications may know;
there is no place of refuge for them. So whatever thing you are given,
that is only a provision of this world's life, and what is with Allah
is better and more lasting for those who believe and rely on their
Lord. And those who. shun the great sins and indecencies, and whenever
they are angry they forgive. And those who respond to their Lord and
keep up prayer, and their rule is to take counsel among themselves, and
who spend out of what We have given them. And those who, when great
wrong afflicts them, defend themselves. And the recompense of evil is
punishment like it, but whoever forgives and amends, he shall have his
reward from Allah; surely He does not love the unjust.” (Islamic Quran)
Surah 42:33-40 “The Counsel” (M.H. Shakir translation)
[Return to nhreligion.com]
January
14, 2008 - January 20, 2008: “After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time
of fulfillment.
The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” As
he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew
casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to
them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they
left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and
saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too
were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left
their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed
him.” (Christian Bible) Mark 1:14-20 (New American Bible)
January 7, 2008 - January 13, 2008: “Rise up in splendor,
Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but
upon you the LORD shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall
walk by your light, and kings by our shining radiance. Raise your eyes
and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from
afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be
radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the
riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of
nations shall be brought to you. Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing
gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.”
(Jewish and Christian Bibles) Isaiah 60:1-6 (New American Bible)
December
31, 2007 - January 6, 2008: “There is no more worldly existence
for the wise one who, like the earth, resents nothing, who is firm as a
high pillar and as pure as a deep pool free from mud. Calm is his
thought, calm his speech, and calm his deed, who, truly knowing, is
wholly freed, perfectly tranquil and wise. The man who is without blind
faith, who knows the Uncreated, who has severed all links, destroyed
all causes (for karma, good and evil), and thrown out all desires — he,
truly, is the most excellent of men. Inspiring, indeed, is that place
where Perfected Ones dwell, be it a village, a forest, a vale, or a
hill. Inspiring are the forests in which worldlings find no pleasure.
There the passionless will rejoice, for they seek no sensual
pleasures.” (Buddhist Scripture) Dhammapada, verses 95-99. “The
Perfected One.”
Christmas Scripture Reading
Dec. 25, 2007: “And it came to
pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made
when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every
one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the
city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called
Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be
taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it
was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she
should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and
wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because
there was no room for them in the inn.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord
came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and
they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for,
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall
find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace, good will toward men.” (Christian Bible) Luke 2:1-14 (King James
Version)
December 24, 2007 - December 30, 2007:
“Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with
haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and
greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting
of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled
with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said,
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come
to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my
ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed,
for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her
from the Lord.” And Mary said: “ My soul magnifies the Lord, And my
spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly
state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will
call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And
holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him From
generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has
scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down
the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. He has filled the
hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. He has
helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to
our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” And Mary remained
with her about three months, and returned to her house. (Christian
Bible) Luke 1:39-56 (New American Bible)
December
17, 2007 - December 23, 2007: “The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying:
Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the
netherworld, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I
will not tempt the LORD!” Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David!
Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God?
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall
conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” (Jewish and
Christian Bible) Isaiah 7:10-14 (New American Bible)
[Return to nhreligion.com]
December 10, 2007 - December 16,
2007: “Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now
behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector,
and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not
because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and
climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass
that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him,
and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must
stay at your house.” So he made haste and came down, and received Him
joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has
gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” Then Zacchaeus stood
and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor;
and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore
fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this
house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come
to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Christian Bible) Luke
19:1-10 (New King James Version)
December 3, 2007 - December 9, 2007:
“All beings follow their nature. Even the wise act according to their
own nature. What, then, is the value of sense restraint? The attachment
and aversion for the sense objects remain in the senses. One should not
come under the control of these two, because they are two stumbling
blocks, indeed, on one's path of Self-realization:” (Hindu Scriptures)
Bhagavad Gita (3:33-34)
November
26 - December 2, 2007: “All that is of earth returns to earth,
and what is from above returns above. All that comes from bribes or
injustice will be wiped out, but loyalty remains for ages. Wealth out
of wickedness is like a wadi in spate: like a mighty stream with
lightning and thunder, Which, in its rising, rolls along the stones,
but suddenly, once and for all, comes to an end. The offshoot of
violence will not flourish, for the root of the godless is on sheer
rock; Or they are like reeds on the riverbank, withered before all
other plants; But goodness will never be cut off, and justice endures
forever.” (Catholic Christian Bible - Apocrypha) Book of Sirach
(Ecclesiasticus) 40:11-17 (New American Bible)
November 19 - November 25, 2007: “As
Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside
begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening.
They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus,
Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked
him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more,
“Son of David, have pity on me!” Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he
be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you
want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus
told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately
received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw
this, all the people gave praise to God.” (Christian Bible) Luke
18:35-42 (New American Bible)
November 12 - November 18, 2007:
“Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably
occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur. It would be better
for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into
the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. Be on
your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents,
forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and
returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should
forgive him.” And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you
would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’
and it would obey you.” (Christian Bible) Luke 17:1-6 (New American
Bible)
November
5 - November 11, 2007: My son, from your youth embrace
discipline; thus will you find wisdom with graying hair. As though
plowing and sowing, draw close to her; then await her bountiful crops.
For in cultivating her you will labor but little, and soon you will eat
of her fruits. How irksome she is to the unruly! The fool cannot abide
her. She will be like a burdensome stone to test him, and he will not
delay in casting her aside. For discipline is like her name, she is not
accessible to many. Listen, my son, and heed my advice; refuse not my
counsel. Put your feet into her fetters, and your neck under her yoke.
Stoop your shoulders and carry her and be not irked at her bonds. With
all your soul draw close to her; with all your strength keep her ways.”
(Catholic Christian Bible - Apocrypha) Book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
6:18-27 (New American Bible)
October 29, 2007 - November 4, 2007:
“Hallelujah! Praise the name of the LORD! Praise, you servants of the
LORD, Who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of
our God! Praise the LORD; the LORD is good! Sing to God's name; it is
gracious! (Jewish and Christian Bibles) Psalm 135:1-3 (New American
Bible)
October 22, 2007 - October 28, 2007:
“O army of God! Make ye a mighty effort: perchance ye can flood this
earth with light, that this mud hut, the world, may become the
Abhá Paradise. The dark hath taken over, and the brute traits
prevail. This world of man is now an arena for wild beasts, a field
where the ignorant, the heedless, seize their chance. The souls of men
are ravening wolves and animals with blinded eyes, they are either
deadly poison or useless weeds—all except for a very few who indeed do
nurture altruistic aims and plans for the well-being of their fellow
men: but ye must in this matter—that is, the serving of humankind—lay
down your very lives, and as ye yield yourselves, rejoice.” (Baha’i
scripture) Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p.
72.
October 15, 2007 - October 21, 2007: “For
[the Lord] is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not
unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.
He is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she
pours out her complaint Do not the tears that stream down her cheek cry
out against him that causes them to fall? He who serves God willingly
is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly
pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, Nor will
it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the
right.” (Catholic Christian Bible - Apocrypha) Book of Sirach
(Ecclesiasticus) 35:12-18 (New American Bible)
[Return
to nhreligion.com]
October 8, 2007 - October 14, 2007: “While
still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This
generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be
given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the
Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the
judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this
generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of
the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater
than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with
this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah
they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
(Christian Bible) Luke 11:29-32 (New American Bible)
October 1, 2007 - October 7, 2007: “He
is the One who sends down the rain after they had despaired, and
spreads His mercy. He is the only Master, Most Praiseworthy. Among His
proofs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the creatures
He spreads in them. He is able to summon them, when He wills. Anything
bad that happens to you is a consequence of your own deeds, and He
overlooks many (of your sins).” (Islamic Quran) Surah 42:28-30 (Khalifa
translation)
September 24, 2007 - September 30, 2007: “Who
is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that
his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter
envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the
truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly,
sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and
every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first
pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good
fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of
righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (Christian
Bible) James 3:13-18 (New King James Version)
September 17, 2007 - September 23, 2007:
“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers and
sisters, because you know that we who teach will be judged more
strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Those who are never at fault in
what they say are perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When
we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn
the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so
large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small
rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small
part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great
forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a
world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole
person, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set
on fire by hell.” (Christian Scriptures) James 3:1-8 (New International
Reader’s Version)
September 10, 2007 - September 16, 2007:
“God is divine Life, and Life is no more confined to the forms which
reflect it than substance is in its shadow. If life were in mortal man
or material things, it would be subject to their limitations and would
end in death. Life is Mind, the creator reflected in His creations. If
He dwelt within what He creates, God would not be reflected but
absorbed, and the Science of being would be forever lost through a
mortal sense, which falsely testifies to a beginning and an end.”
(Christian Science scripture) Science and Health, with Key to the
Scriptures, p. 331, lines 1-5.
September 3, 2007 - September 9, 2007: The
philosopher Yû said, "When agreements are made according to what
is right, what is spoken can be made good. When respect is shown
according to what is proper, one keeps far from shame and disgrace.
When the parties upon whom a man leans are proper persons to be
intimate with, he can make them his guides and masters." (Confucian
Scriptures) The Analects of Confucius, Book 1, Chapter 13 (James Legge
translation)
August
27, 2007 - September 2, 2007: “Keep away from your enemies; be
on your guard with your friends. A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;
he who finds one finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price,
no sum can balance his worth. A faithful friend is a life-saving
remedy, such as he who fears God finds; For he who fears God behaves
accordingly, and his friend will be like himself.” (Catholic Christian
Bible - Apocrypha) Book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 6:13-17 (New
American Bible)
August
20, 2007 - August 26, 2007: "Man, governed by immortal Mind, is
always beautiful and grand. Each succeeding year unfolds wisdom,
beauty, and holiness." (Christian Science scripture) Science and
Health, with Key to the Scriptures, p. 246, line 23.
August
13, 2007 - August 19, 2007: “Tsze-ch'in asked
Tsze-kung, saying, "When our master comes to any country, he does not
fail to learn all about its government. Does he ask his information? or
is it given to him?" Tsze-kung said, "Our master is benign, upright,
courteous, temperate, and complaisant and thus he gets his information.
The master's mode of asking information! -- is it not different from
that of other men?" (Confucian Scriptures) The Analects of Confucius,
Book 1, Chapter 10 (James Legge translation)
[Return to nhreligion.com]
August 6, 2007 - August 12, 2007: “Let your acquaintances
be many, but one in a thousand your confidant. When you gain a friend,
first test him, and be not too ready to trust him, For one sort of
friend is a friend when it suits him, but he will not be with you in
time of distress. Another is a friend who becomes an enemy, and tells
of the quarrel to your shame. Another is a friend, a boon companion,
who will not be with you when sorrow comes. When things go well, he is
your other self, and lords it over your servants; But if you are
brought low, he turns against you and avoids meeting you.” (Catholic
Christian Bible - Apocrypha) Book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 6:6-12
(New American Bible)
July 30, 2007 - August 5, 2007:
“But who am I, and who are my people, That we should be able to offer
so willingly as this? For all things come from You, And of Your own we
have given You. For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, As were all
our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope. “O
LORD our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a
house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own.”
(Jewish and Christian Bibles) 1 Chronicles 14-16 (New King James
Version)
July
23, 2007 - July 29, 2007: “This I recall to my mind, Therefore
I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because
His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your
faithfulness.“ The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, Therefore I hope
in Him!” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who
seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the
salvation of the LORD.” (Jewish and Christian Bibles) Lamentations
3:21-26 (New King James Version)
July 16, 2007 - July 22, 2007: “Since God chose you to be the
holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted
mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance
for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember,
the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe
yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as
members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be
thankful.” (Christian Bible) Colossians 3:12-15 (New Living
Translation)
July
9, 2007 - July 15, 2007: “The fever of passion exists not for
him who has completed the journey, who is sorrowless and wholly set
free, and has broken all ties. The mindful ones exert themselves. They
are not attached to any home; like swans that abandon the lake, they
leave home after home behind. Those who do not accumulate and are wise
regarding food, whose object is the Void, the Unconditioned Freedom -
their track cannot be traced, like that of birds in the air. He whose
cankers are destroyed and who is not attached to food, whose object is
the Void, the Unconditioned Freedom - his path cannot be traced, like
that of birds in the air.” (Buddhist Scripture) Dhammapada, verses
90-94. “The Perfected One.”
July 2, 2007 - July 8, 2007: “May your unfailing love come to
me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then I will
answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch
the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I
will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in
freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your
statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in
your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands,
which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.” (Jewish and Christian
Bibles) Psalm 119:41-48
June
25, 2007 - July 1, 2007: “Now it came to pass, when Jesus
finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there
to teach and to preach in their cities. And when John had heard in
prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of[a] his disciples and
said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” Jesus
answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear
and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and
the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel
preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John:
“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the
wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments?
Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what did
you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a
prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My
messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’”
(Christian Bible) John 11:1-10 (New King James Version)
June
18, 2007 - June 24, 2007:
“O SON OF BEING! With the hands of power I made thee and with the
fingers of strength I created thee; and within thee have I placed the
essence of My light. Be thou content with it and seek naught else, for
My work is perfect and My command is binding. Question it not, nor have
a doubt thereof.” (Baha’i Scripture) Baha'u'llah, The
Arabic Hidden
Words, verse 12.
June
11, 2007 - June 17, 2007: "Now those who had been scattered by
the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as
Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some
of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began
to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord
Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people
believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the ears of the
church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived
and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged
them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a
good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of
people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look
for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a
whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great
numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at
Antioch. (Christian Bible) Acts 11:19-26 (New International
Version)
[Return to nhreligion.com]
June 4, 2007 - June 10, 2007: "I am equally situated in all
beings. There is none who is particularly hateful to me or dearer to
Me. But those who worship Me with devotion I am in them and they are in
Me. Even if a man of sinful conduct worships Me with undisturbed
devotion, he should be regarded as a saintly person because he is has
made the right resolve. Such a person promptly becomes a righteous soul
and attains eternal peace. O Kaunteya, know for sure that My devotees
shall never perish." (Hindu Scriptures) Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9 Verses
29-31).
May 28, 2007 - June 3, 2007: “All that is in the heavens and on
the earth glorifies Allah. He alone is the Almighty, the Cognizant, the
Sovereign of the heavens and the earth, who bestows life and ordains
death, and has complete power over all things. He is the First and the
Last, the Manifest and the Unseen, the One and the Only with the
knowledge of all things.” (Muslim Quran) Surah 57:1-5.
May
21, 2007 - May 27, 2007: “Regard thou the one true God as
One Who is apart from, and immeasurably exalted above, all created
things. The whole universe reflecteth His glory, while He is Himself
independent of, and transcendeth His creatures. This is the true
meaning of Divine unity. He Who is the Eternal Truth is the one Power
Who exerciseth undisputed sovereignty over the world of being, Whose
image is reflected in the mirror of the entire creation. All existence
is dependent upon Him, and from Him is derived the source of the
sustenance of all things. This is what is meant by Divine unity; this
is its fundamental principle.” (Baha’i Scripture) Gleanings from the
Writings of Baha’u’llah, Chapter 84.
May 14,
2007 - May 20, 2007: “Peter began to say to Jesus, ‘We
have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to
you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or
mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of
the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this
present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children
and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But
many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
(Christian Bible) Mark 10:28-31 (New American Bible)
May 7, 2007
- May 13, 2007: "It is good to praise the LORD and make music
to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and
your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and
the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I
sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works, O
LORD, how profound your thoughts! The senseless man does not know,
fools do not understand, that though the wicked spring up like grass
and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed. But you, O
LORD, are exalted forever. (Jewish and Christian Bibles) Psalm 92:1-8
(New International Version)
April 30,
2007 - May 6, 2007: "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'In
a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the
sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desired of all
nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the
LORD Almighty. 'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the
LORD Almighty. 'The glory of this present house will be greater than
the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this
place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty." (Jewish and
Christian Bibles) Haggai 2:6-9 (New International Version)
April 23,
2007 - April 29, 2007: "Abandoning the dark way, let the wise
man cultivate the bright path. Having gone from home to homelessness,
let him yearn for that delight in detachment, so difficult to enjoy.
Giving up sensual pleasures, with no attachment, let the wise man
cleanse himself of defilements of the mind.Those whose minds have
reached full excellence in the factors of enlightenment, who, having
renounced acquisitiveness, rejoice in not clinging to things — rid of
cankers, glowing with wisdom, they have attained Nibbana in this very
life." (Buddhist Scripture) Dhammapada, verses 87-89. "The Wise."
April 16, 2007 - April 22,
2007: "The philosopher Yû said, "In practicing the rules
of propriety, a natural ease is to be prized. In the ways prescribed by
the ancient kings, this is the excellent quality, and in things small
and great we follow them. Yet it is not to be observed in all cases. If
one, knowing how such ease should be prized, manifests it, without
regulating it by the rules of propriety, this likewise is not to be
done." (Confucian Scriptures) The Analects of Confucius, Book 1,
Chapter 10 (James Legge translation)
[Return to nhreligion.com]
April 9, 2007 - April 15,
2007: "Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became
king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother's name was
Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. He did evil in the
eyes of the LORD, just as his fathers had done. Pharaoh Neco put him in
chains at Riblah in the land of Hamath so that he might not reign in
Jerusalem, and he imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents of
silver and a talent of gold. Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim son of Josiah
king in place of his father Josiah and changed Eliakim's name to
Jehoiakim. But he took Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt, and there
he died. Jehoiakim paid Pharaoh Neco the silver and gold he demanded.
In order to do so, he taxed the land and exacted the silver and gold
from the people of the land according to their assessments." (Jewish
and Christian Bibles) 2 Kings 23:31-36 (New International Version)
Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007:
"Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold,
there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from
heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance
was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him
the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the
women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was
crucified. 6He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the
place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples
that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to
Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you." So they
departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell
his disciples. 9And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And
they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus
said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to
Galilee, and there they will see me." (Christian Bible) Matthew 28:1-10
(English Standard Version)
April 2, 2007 - April 8, 2007:
"While Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat
at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly
ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on
his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, ‘Why
was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been
sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the
poor.’ And they scolded her. But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone; why do you
trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always
have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you
wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she
has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you,
wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has
done will be told in remembrance of her.’" Mark 14:3-9 (New Revised
Standard Version)
April 1, 2007: "Fools
of little wit are enemies unto themselves as they move about doing evil
deeds, the fruits of which are bitter." (Buddhist Scripture)
Dhammapada, verse 66. "The Fool." (Happy April Fool’s Day!)
March 26 - April 1, 2007:
"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if people claim to have
faith but have no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or
sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them,
‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their
physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if
it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You
have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will
show you my faith by what I do." (Christian Bible) James 2:14-18
(Today’s New International Version)
March 19, 2007 - March 25,
2007: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a
living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept
in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith
for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (Christian
Bible) 1 Peter 1:3-5 (English Standard Version)
March 12, 2007 - March 18, 2007:
Remember, O Lord, in David's favor, all the hardships he endured, how
he swore to the Lord and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob, "I will not
enter my house or get into my bed, I will not give sleep to my eyes or
slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling
place for the Mighty One of Jacob." (Jewish and Christian Bibles) Psalm
132:1 (English Standard Version)
March 5, 2007 - March 11, 2007: "The
Master said, ‘While a man's father is alive, look at the bent of his
will; when his father is dead, look at his conduct. If for three years
he does not alter from the way of his father, he may be called
filial.’" (Confucian Scriptures) The Analects of Confucius, Book 1,
Chapter 10 (James Legge translation)
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Feb. 26, 2007 - March 4, 2007: "God has been
kind enough to trust us with this work. That's why we never give up. We
don't do shameful things that must be kept secret. And we don't try to
fool anyone or twist God's message around. God is our witness that we
speak only the truth, so others will be sure that we can be trusted. If
there is anything hidden about our message, it is hidden only to
someone who is lost." (Christian Bible) 2 Corinthians 4:1-3
(Contemporary English Version)
Feb. 19,
2007 - Feb. 25, 2007: "A song of ascents. Of David. LORD, my
heart is not proud; nor are my eyes haughty. I do not busy myself with
great matters, with things too sublime for me. Rather, I have stilled
my soul, hushed it like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its
mother's lap, so is my soul within me. Israel, hope in the LORD, now
and forever." (Jewish and Christian Bibles) Psalm 131 (New American
Bible)
Feb. 12,
2007 - Feb. 18, 2007: The works of God are all of them good;
in its own time every need is supplied. At his word the waters become
still as in a flask; he had but to speak and the reservoirs were made.
He has but to command and his will is done; nothing can limit his
achievement. The works of all mankind are present to him; not a thing
escapes his eye. His gaze spans all the ages; to him there is nothing
unexpected. No cause then to say: "What is the purpose of this?"
Everything is chosen to satisfy a need. (Catholic Christian Bible)
Sirach 39:16-21 (New American Bible)
Feb. 5,
2007 - Feb. 11, 2007: "Since you are eager for spiritual
gifts, strive to excel in them for building up the church. Therefore,
one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. For
if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unproductive.
What should I do then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray
with the mind also; I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will sing
praise with the mind also. Otherwise, if you say a blessing with the
spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say the "Amen" to
your thanksgiving, since the outsider does not know what you are
saying? For you may give thanks well enough, but the other person is
not built up. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you;
nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind,
in order to instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking; rather, be
infants in evil, but in thinking be adults." (Christian Bible) 1
Corinthians 14:12b-20 (New American Bible)
Jan.
29, 2007 - Feb. 4, 2007: "The philosopher
Tsang said, ‘Let there be a careful attention to perform the funeral
rites to parents, and let them be followed when long gone with the
ceremonies of sacrifice; - then the virtue of the people will resume
its proper excellence.’" The Analects of Confucius, Book 1, Chapter 9
(James Legge translation)
Jan.
22, 2007 - Jan. 28, 2007: "For this reason,
because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love
toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation
in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are
the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the
immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to
the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised
him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly
places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and
above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the
one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head
over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him
who fills all in all." (Christian Bible) Ephesians 1:15-23 (English
Standard Version)
Jan. 15, 2007 - Jan. 21, 2007: "Now we see but a poor
reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know
in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (Christian
Bible) 1 Corinthians 13:12 (New International Version)
Jan.8, 2007 - Jan. 14, 2007: Moses said: Now this is
the commandment - the statutes and the ordinances - that the LORD your
God charged me to teach you to observe in the land that you are about
to cross into and occupy, so that you and your children and your
children's children, may fear the LORD your God all the days of your
life, and keep all his decrees and his commandments that I am
commanding you, so that your days may be long. Hear therefore, O
Israel, and observe them diligently, so that it may go well with you,
and so that you may multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and
honey, as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. Hear,
O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD
your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your
might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart.
Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home
and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them
as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and
write them on the door posts of your house and on your gates." (Jewish
and Christian Bible) Deuteronomy 6:1-9 (New American Bible)
Dec.
17, 2006 - Dec. 24, 2006: "Now Mary arose in those days and
went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered
the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened, when
Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb;
and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with
a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the
fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of
my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your
greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those
things which were told her from the Lord." And Mary said: " My soul
magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He
has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth
all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done
great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on those
who fear Him From generation to generation. He has shown strength with
His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent
away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His
mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever."
And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her
house. (Christian Bible) Luke 1:39-56 (New American Bible)
Week
of Dec. 11, 2006 - Dec. 17, 2006: "See, I am sending my
messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will
suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you
delight-- indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can
endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he
is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a
refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of
Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings
to the LORD in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem
will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former
years." (Jewish and Christian Bible) Malachi 3:1-4 (New American Bible)
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