Day: March 19, 2016

E100 Bible Reading Plan ~ excellent overview of God’s Word

e100_logo

PEANUT GALLERY: On 28 March (1st Monday of Easter), we will begin a new weekday format including “The Essential One-Hundred Bible Reading Plan.” On weekends, we will revert back to the lectionary readings that relate to Easter and then Pentecost. God willing, we will complete this new Bible Reading Plan in 20 weeks, on Sunday, 14 August.

e100 Colson

WHY THE CHANGE? The purpose is to give us an overview of God’s Word, both Old and New Testaments, without getting lost in the minutia. The E100 Reading Plan, designed by Scripture Union, is simple and achievable.

The Essential 100 (E100®) is a carefully selected list of short Bible passages — 50 from the Old Testament and 50 from the New Testament. Most are about 1-2 chapters in length, just the right amount for a busy person to read in a few minutes. The readings cover all major types of biblical writing, including the Historical Books, Poetry and Wisdom, the Prophets, the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles and Revelation. They’re organized into 20 sets of 5 readings each, so you can easily get the big picture of the Bible without getting bogged down.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: click here.

PEANUT GALLERY: Please note that the resources available through Scripture Union are not required to follow along with us here. However, you may find them helpful personally, for use church-wide, or for use in a small group.

I personally downloaded E100 Challenge Guide eBook (PDF) for $4.95. Check them out.

God bless!

Morning Prayer: 19 March – Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 ~ the faithful step-dad

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentence

Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.
(Isaiah 55:6)

Morning Reading: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 (NLT)

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah.
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holy-family

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
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When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.

Morning Prayer

Whatever we do or say, let us do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Lord, hear us.

+ As Joseph believed what you had told him, and became the guardian of your only Son: so may I put my faith in you, and receive the fulfillment of your promise.
+ Father, give me that faith which gives substance to my hopes, and make me certain of realities I do not see.
+ Joseph took the child Jesus into his care, loving and accepting him as his own Son: may I accept all that God gives me, and care for those entrusted to me.
+ You have given mankind authority over the work of your hands and invited us to share in your creation: help me to accept my responsibility by working for your glory and the good of all.

Almighty God, at the beginnings of our salvation, when Mary conceived your Son and brought him forth into the world, you placed them under Joseph’s watchful care. May his example still guide your Church to be an equally faithful guardian of your mysteries and a sign of Christ to mankind. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“There Is A Name” – Covenant Worship

Closing Sentence

Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. (Isaiah 55:7)

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!