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Going deeper...to go further

Daily Bible reading strengthens our relationship with God, nourishes our spirits and equips us to live a fruitful, effective life for Him.

This month we're reading scriptures about the Church living as a missional community. God's people are called, formed and sent to participate in His mission in the world. Each day includes an Old Testament reading, a New Testament reading, a question for reflection and a daily prayer. As we read the Word it’s important that we apply what we read and pray it out over our lives. One of the way you can do this is by using the acronym SOAP. To find out more about SOAP watch this video.

Below you’ll see what we’re reading today. To go forward or back a day in our reading plan use the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons.

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Day 17 – Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth

Reflect: “The church is called to be witnesses locally and globally. Where has God already placed you as a witness?”

Isaiah 49:1-7

1Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations:Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.2He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me;he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.3He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.”4But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all.Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with my God.” 5And now the Lord says— he who formed me in the womb to be his servantto bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself,for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my strength—6he says:“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept.I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” 7This is what the Lord says— the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel—to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers:“Kings will see you and stand up, princes will see and bow down,because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”

Acts 1:1-11

Promise of the Holy Spirit1-2Theophilus, I have already written an account for you of Jesus' teaching and the works He performed before His return to heaven. Before His departure, He gave the apostles He had chosen the commission they were to fulfil through the Holy Spirit.3After His death on the cross, He appeared in His risen body to these men, demonstrating that He was very much alive. During a period of forty days He appeared to them on a number of occasions and spoke further to them about God's Kingdom.4While eating with them on one occasion He commanded them: "Stay in Jerusalem until you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit that My Father promised, and of which I spoke to you.5For John only baptised people in water for the forgiveness of their sins, but within a few days you will be immersed in the Holy Spirit, baptised in His life and power."6When the apostles saw Him in His risen body, they asked Him: "Lord, is this the time when You will restore Israel as Your Kingdom people?"7Jesus told them: "The Father alone has the authority to determine when such things will happen. That is not your business.8However, you will receive God's power when you are baptised in the Holy Spirit. Then you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, the whole of Judea and Samaria and in every part of the earth."9After saying this, they watched as Jesus ascended until a cloud hid Him from their sight.10They kept staring up at the sky until two men robed in white garments stood beside them.11"You Galileans, why stand here looking into the sky? Jesus, who has now been taken from you, will Himself come back in a similar manner to the way He has just departed into heaven."

Thank you Jesus, that You make us a people who know and live in Your love, proclaim Your good news, welcome the stranger, serve our neighbours and participate together in Your mission. Show us those You are reaching, and give us eyes to see, ears to hear, courage to respond and love for the people around us.

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