Computer Cud      Vatican II asks us to read the Bible every day, 
 'to have a burning love'   for the Word of God           Resolution

This plan follows the Sunday liturgy:  reading + psalm + reading + gospel             
From  www.simplebible.info              Previous Bible Blogs

O Holy Spirit, may these passages give us hope, wisdom, compassion, courage and peace for our daily life           Chinese text

Reading:  One Samuel 17

The Philistine and Israelite armies prepared for battle.
The Philistines were on one hill, the Israelites on an opposite hill,
with a valley between them.

The Philistines produced a giant warrior, Goliath,
who challenged the Israelites to find one man to fight him.

Goliath said: "If I win, you become our slaves;
if I am killed, we will become your slaves."

For many weeks  Goliath issued his challenge,
but no Israelite soldier was brave enough to fight Goliath.

Then David visited the army camp and heard Goliath's words.
He offered to fight Goliath.

Some people made fun of David,
but David knew he would be helped by the Lord.

David took 5 smooth stones from the river bed
and with his sling in his hand he went to fight Goliath.

When Goliath saw the young boy David,
Goliath insulted and ridiculed him.

But David took out one of his stones
and slung it at Goliath.

The stone hit Goliath on the forehead
and he dropped to the ground.

David then used Goliath's sword to kill him and cut off his head.

When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead,
they fled in fear, chased by the Israelites who defeated them.

Saul put David in charge of his army
and David had many victories.

David and Saul's son Jonathan became good friends.

Reflection: 
One of the best books for pastors I've ever read takes its name from the above story: 
Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work

Prayer: Dear God,  please give me a bit more of David's trust in your help

Reading:  Psalm 93

The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed,
he has girded himself with power.

The world you made firm, not to be moved.
From all eternity, O Lord, you are.

The oceans and coastlines of the world
are majestic and powerful.

But greater than the roar of mighty waters,
more glorious than the surging of the sea
is the Lord on high.

Such a Lord, such a Creator, such a God.
Truly your decrees are to be trusted.

Holiness is fitting to your house
O Lord, always and everywhere.

Reflection: 
When walking along a surf beach, with big waves crashing to the shore, the above words are a beautiful prayer: 
"Greater than the roar of mighty waters, more glorious than the surging of the sea,
is the Lord on high

Prayer: We praise you, Lord, our Creator, who made the waves of the sea

Reading:  Revelation 2 

He gave me this message for the church in Thyatira:

"I know how charitable you are.
I see you faith and devotion, and your courage in suffering

But some of you are being misled by a false teacher.
You are imitating her bad behavior

Listen to this message and repent"

Reflection:  
Each Wednesday when I see Jehovah's Witnesses handing out literature at HK's Central walkway, I ask that we Christians would have a bit more of their genuine dedication to "reaching out" .....while at the same time I pray that people are not mislead by their false teaching

Prayer: Jesus, please help our world avoid false teaching

Reading:  Matthew 5

Jesus said to the crowds:

You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, it's no use for anything.

You are the light of the world.
Let the world see your light, your good deeds.

Reflection: 
We don't, or at least we shouldn't, do good deeds to be noticed by other people.
At the same time, we shouldn't "hide our light". A light that is never turned on is no use in a dark place

Prayer:  Jesus, please help me do more good deeds ... for the right reason