Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
Morning Prayer of Trust
3 O Lord, how many are they who hate me! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, “There is no help for him in God.” 3 But You, O Lord, are a covering around me, my shining-greatness, and the One Who lifts my head. 4 I was crying to the Lord with my voice. And He answered me from His holy mountain. 5 I lay down and slept, and I woke up again, for the Lord keeps me safe.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who stand all around against me. 7 Rise up, O Lord! Save me, O my God! For You have hit on the face all those who hate me, and you have broken the teeth of the sinful. 8 It is You Who saves, O Lord. May You bring happiness to Your people.
19 Samuel grew. And the Lord was with him and made everything he said come true. 20 All Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had become a man of God. 21 The Lord came again to Shiloh. For the Lord made Himself known to Samuel at Shiloh, by the Word of the Lord.
The Philistines Take the Special Box of the Agreement
4 So the news of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines. They set up their tents beside Ebenezer while the Philistines stayed at Aphek. 2 The Philistines came dressed for battle to meet Israel. When the battle spread, Israel lost to the Philistines. The Philistines killed about 4,000 men on the battle-field.
Do Not Fall Back Into Sin
26 If we keep on sinning because we want to after we have received and know the truth, there is no gift that will take away sins then. 27 Instead, we will stand before God and on that day He will judge us. And the hot fires of hell will burn up those who work against God. 28 Anyone who did not obey the Old Way of Worship died without loving-kindness when two or three men spoke against him. 29 How much more will a man have to be punished if he walks on and hates the Son of God? How much more will he be punished if he acts as if the blood of God’s New Way of Worship is worth nothing? This New Way of Worship is God’s way of making him holy. How much more will he be punished if he laughs at the Holy Spirit Who wanted to show him loving-favor? 30 For we know God said, “I will pay back what is coming to them.” And, “The Lord will judge His people.” (A) 31 The very worst thing that can happen to a man is to fall into the hands of the living God!
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