ANNOUNCEMENT: The Emmaus Community and friends will be providing a lunch at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall for family and friends of Dennis Land on Monday, January 28, at noon following Dennis’ Funeral at 11:00 AM at the Methodist Church. Donations of food are needed for chips, sandwiches, desserts, etc. for the lunch. Please text or call Tammy Bundick at (830) 459-7888 to volunteer for providing food. The food will need to be taken to the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, starting at 9:00 AM on Monday, January 28. Your help will be appreciated.
Scripture for Sunday
Luke 4:14-21
14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
Psalm 19:1-14
1 For the choirmaster Psalm Of David The heavens declare the glory of God, the vault of heaven proclaims his handiwork, 2 day discourses of it to day, night to night hands on the knowledge. 3 No utterance at all, no speech, not a sound to be heard, 4 but from the entire earth the design stands out, this message reaches the whole world. High above, he pitched a tent for the sun, 5 who comes forth from his pavilion like a bridegroom, delights like a champion in the course to be run. 6 Rising on the one horizon he runs his circuit to the other, and nothing can escape his heat. 7 The Law of Yahweh is perfect, refreshment to the soul; the decree of Yahweh is trustworthy, wisdom for the simple. 8 The precepts of Yahweh are honest, joy for the heart; the commandment of Yahweh is pure, light for the eyes. 9 The fear of Yahweh is pure, lasting for ever; the judgments of Yahweh are true, upright, every one, 10 more desirable than gold, even than the finest gold; his words are sweeter than honey, that drips from the comb. 11 Thus your servant is formed by them; observing them brings great reward. 12 But who can detect his own failings? Wash away my hidden faults. 13 And from pride preserve your servant, never let it be my master. So shall I be above reproach, free from grave sin. 14 May the words of my mouth always find favor, and the whispering of my heart, in your presence, Yahweh, my rock, my redeemer.
Questions for Reflection
1. What is your favorite outdoor scene?
2. What do you think of when you hear the word law?
3. In what ways does nature impact your everyday life?
4. What do the heavens and skies have to say to us? (19:1)
5. On what two themes did David focus in this psalm? (19:1-14)
6. How can people who have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ still learn about God?
7. What has nature taught you about God?
8. What attitude did David have toward God’s law?
9. What role does God’s Word play in your everyday life?
10. What steps could you take to be more open to God’s Word?
