Quotes and Readings of the Day

Previous Next

Acts 16:25-40

Paul and Silas in Prison
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God.

When morning came, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” And the jailer reported the message to Paul, saying, “The magistrates sent word to let you go; therefore come out now and go in peace.” But Paul replied, “They have beaten us in public, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they going to discharge us in secret? Certainly not! Let them come and take us out themselves.” The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens; so they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. After leaving the prison they went to Lydia's home; and when they had seen and encouraged the brothers and sisters there, they departed.

Note: Today's Gospel reading is John 12:27-36a. Find a Bible translation.

From the New Revised Standard Version. Reprinted with permission from HarperBibles.

TAGS: Bible, Bible Reading, Christian, Acts

Previous Next

Deuteronomy 32:7-32:12

Remember the days of old,
Consider the years of ages past;
Ask your father, he will inform you,
Your elders, they will tell you:
When the Most High gave nations their homes
And set the divisions of man,
He fixed the boundaries of peoples
In relation to Israel's numbers.
For the Lord's portion is His people,
Jacob His own allotment.

He found him in a desert region,
In an empty howling waste.
He engirded him, watched over him,
Guarded him as the pupil of His eye.
Like an eagle who rouses his nestlings,
Gliding down to his young,
So did He spread His wings and take him,
Bear him along on His pinions;
The Lord alone did guide him,
No alien god at His side.

From Parshat Ha'azinu. From THE TANAKH: The New JPS Translation According to the Traditional Hebrew Text. Copyright 1985 by the Jewish Publication Society. Used by permission.

TAGS: Torah, Torah Reading, Judaism, Deuteronomy

Previous Next

Nothing is hidden from the angels.

-Folk saying

From "Angels Around Us." Compiled by Karen Maguire. Reprinted by arrangement with Andrews McMeel Publishing.

TAGS: Angel Quote, Angels, Folk saying

Previous Next

It is through not understanding, not penetrating four things that we have run so erratically, wandered on so long in this round of existence, both you and I. What are the four? Goodness, concentration, wisdom, and liberation. When these four things are understood and penetrated, craving for superficial existence is rooted out and that which leads to continued return to the same conditions is ended. There is no more constant journeying.

-Digha Nikaya

From "The Pocket Buddha Reader," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Boston, www.shambhala.com.

TAGS: The Pocket Buddha Reader, Buddhist Quote, Buddhism, Existence, Superficial Existence, Continued Return, Concentration, Conditions, Liberation

Previous Next

It doesn't do any good to fight war with peace without first an understanding of what peace is for yourself.

-Nick Nolte

TAGS: Understanding, Entertainment Quote, Celebrities, Doesnt, Spiritual, Peace, Celebrity Spirituality, Entertainment, War, Peace Wit

Previous Next

I am justified and acceptable to God even though there are in me sin, unrighteousness, and fear of death.

-Martin Luther

TAGS: Evangelical, Evangelical Quote, Christianity

Previous Next

Run your dishwasher only when you have a full load to save on water consumption.

TAGS: Eco Tips

Previous Next

What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for each other?

-George Eliot

TAGS: Inspiration Quote, Life, Generosity, Help, George Eliot

Previous Next

You wonder why people choose fields away from the States when young people at home are drifting because no one wants to take time to listen to their problems. Ill tell you why I left. Because those Stateside young people have every opportunity to study, hear, and understand the Word of God in their own language, and these Indians have no opportunity whatsoever. I have had to make a cross of two logs, and lie down on it, to show the Indians what it means to crucify a man. When there is that much ignorance over here and so much knowledge and opportunity over there, I have no question in my mind why God sent me here. Those whimpering Stateside young people will wake up on the Day of Judgment condemned to worse fates than these demon-fearing Indians, because, having a Bible, they were bored with it---while these never heard of such a thing as writing.

-Jim Elliot

TAGS: Evangelical, Evangelical Quote, Christianity

Previous Next

It's funny how dogs and cats know the inside of folks better than other folks do, isn't it?

-Eleanor H. Porter, "Pollyanna"

TAGS: Health Quote

Previous Next

To those who have conquered themselves, the will is a friend. But it is the enemy of those who have not found the Self within them.

Bhagavad Gita 6:6

TAGS: Hindu Quote, Bhagavad Gita, Hinduism

Previous Next

When asked where God is, people point towards the sky or some far and distant region; no wonder then that He does not manifest Himself! Realize that He is in you, with you, behind you, and all around you; and He can be seen and felt everywhere.

-Sathya Sai Baba

TAGS: Glow, Holistic Living Quote, Spirituality, Holistic Living

Previous Next

No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.

-Calvin Coolidge

TAGS: Inspiration Quote, Calvin Coolidge, Accomplishment, Generosity, Person

Previous Next

There is a single Jewish world—intertwined, interconnected.

-Ralph I. Goldman, Statement, May 1979

TAGS: Judaism, Jewish Quote

Previous Next

How transcendent and immaculate is God! He has neither place, nor time, nor beginning, nor temporal continuity, nor posterior eternity, nor temporal priority, nor terminal end, and yet all the while, He is neither occupied wit, nor seeks succor from, that which He has brought into being. Nonetheless, He is just in all affairs wherein His commandments are issued to people.

-Shibli in Sarraj Tusi: "Kitab al-luma"

From "The Wisdom of Sufism," compiled by Leonard Lewisohn. (c) 2001. Reprinted by arrangement with Oneworld Publications, Oxford, www.oneworld-publications.com.

TAGS: Islam, Muslim Quote, Muslim

Previous Next

Love doesn't make the world go 'round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

-Franklin P. Jones

TAGS: Relationships, Relationships Quotes, Value, Happiness